- Give an example of an ethical dilemma that you think you will encounter when you start working as a nurse.
- How are you going to prepare yourself as a nurse in dealing with these dilemmas?
Instructions:
- Minimum 2 pages not including 1 page for title page and 1 page for references.
- Minimum 2 references
- APA format
Introduction Nursing is an essential profession that plays a significant role in healthcare. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that patients receive adequate care, and their well-being is prioritized. However, nursing comes with various ethical dilemmas that require critical thinking and decision-making skills. These dilemmas arise when a nurse faces a situation where there are conflicting ethical principles, and there is no clear solution. The purpose of this paper is to discuss an ethical dilemma that a nurse is likely to encounter in their profession and how they can prepare themselves to deal with these dilemmas.
One of the ethical dilemmas that a nurse is likely to encounter is the issue of patient autonomy versus beneficence. This dilemma occurs when a patient’s autonomy or right to self-determination conflicts with the healthcare provider’s obligation to do what is best for the patient. In some cases, patients may refuse treatment or medication that is necessary for their well-being, while in others, they may request a treatment that is not in their best interest.
For instance, suppose a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is in severe pain. The healthcare provider recommends that the patient undergoes palliative care, which will manage the pain and improve the quality of life. However, the patient refuses this treatment and instead requests euthanasia. In such a scenario, the nurse is faced with a dilemma of respecting the patient’s autonomy or doing what is in their best interest, which is to alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life.
Preparation as a nurse in dealing with ethical dilemmas To deal with ethical dilemmas as a nurse, it is essential to have a solid foundation in ethics. Nurses should have an understanding of ethical principles, values, and codes of conduct that govern the nursing profession. This knowledge will enable nurses to make informed decisions and act in the patient’s best interest while upholding ethical standards.
Additionally, nurses should be skilled in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are crucial in identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas. Nurses should be able to analyze a situation, identify ethical issues, and evaluate potential solutions based on ethical principles.
It is also important for nurses to develop effective communication skills. Communication is critical in ethical decision-making as it enables the nurse to gather information from the patient, family, and healthcare team. Effective communication ensures that the patient’s wishes are understood and respected, and the best possible outcome is achieved.
Moreover, nurses should seek mentorship and guidance from experienced nurses and ethical committees. Seeking guidance from experienced nurses will enable novice nurses to learn from their experiences and develop a better understanding of ethical dilemmas. Ethical committees provide a platform for nurses to discuss and analyze ethical issues, seek guidance, and make informed decisions.
Conclusion In conclusion, ethical dilemmas are inevitable in the nursing profession. Nurses must be prepared to deal with these dilemmas by having a solid foundation in ethics, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication skills, and seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced nurses and ethical committees. Nurses must always act in the patient’s best interest while upholding ethical standards and respecting their autonomy. By doing so, nurses can ensure that patients receive the best possible care and their well-being is prioritized.