Values In Nursing Ethics

In this essay by using a provided case study I will discuss values and ethics within the healthcare profession. Values impact on how people live their lives and what they consider is right or wrong. Values are unique to a person they are crucial and become principles we follow for situations in our lives. Viktor Frankl believes we “discover meaning and values through the experience of our own and others suffering” (Frankl, 1978). The Nursing profession has a Nursing and Midwifery code to which they must adhere The NMC Code reflects the world of life and work today, and the changing roles and expectations of nurses and midwives. It is structured around four themes “prioritise people, practice effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism

Carers have tried to explain she need not give them money. Mrs A insists that her next-door neighbour Miss M, takes money for cleaning materials. The carers find no cleaning materials in the house. When asked by a carer Miss M insists she cleans every week and admits Mrs A insists on giving her money which she only takes so she doesn’t offend her. Mrs A has been assessed under the mental capacity act and is deemed to have capacity. The mental capacity act was introduced to protect people who may lack the ability to make decisions for themselves regarding their treatment and care and applies to those over the age of 16. People with Dementia may lack capacity but this is not always the case. The Mental Capacity Act says, “every adult has the right to make his or her own decisions”. (The Mental Capacity Act,

Deontology and Utilitarianism are two different theories and reasoning’s as a way of judging actions that are right or wrong in a moral sense. Neither provides an adequate theory to justify moral decision making in practice. Deontology, based on sticking to moral rules and acting out of perceived duty, regardless of the consequences. (Mandal, Ponnambath, & Parija, 2016). Utilitarianism an approach proposed by Bentham and Mill (as cited in Common Foundation Studies in Nursing PP. 92-93). The consequences thought to be beneficial via the action that brought the greatest balance of good over evil. The Healthcare professionals have to decide what to do keeping the health and wellbeing of the patient the central focus. Short-term memory loss can be part of Dementia progression but one must Rule out underline causes. Looking at the case study. Mrs A plan of care, requirement would include drawing on the expertise of her GP. Underline causes such as “A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause an elderly person to become confused, undernourished, dehydrated, depressed; and can cause severe memory loss. Urinary tract infections are common in dementia patients” (DeMarco,