Part 2, Section 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work
Expand on your thoughts from Section 1 by identifying and describing strategies you intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of your:
- academic work as a student of the MSN program and
- professional work as a nurse throughout your career. Include a review of resources and approaches you propose to use as a student and a professional.
maintaining integrity and ethics in both academic and professional settings is of utmost importance for a student pursuing an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree and for a nurse throughout their career. Here are strategies and approaches for each:
1. Academic Work as an MSN Student:
a. Honesty and Citation: Always prioritize honesty in academic work. Properly cite sources and provide credit to authors when using their work. Utilize citation styles like APA or MLA as required by the institution. Plagiarism is a breach of academic integrity and must be avoided.
b. Time Management: Effective time management is essential. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute rushes, which can tempt one to compromise on academic ethics. Procrastination can lead to unethical behavior like cheating or copying from others.
c. Critical Thinking: Develop strong critical thinking skills. When presented with a challenging assignment or dilemma, approach it analytically and ethically. Seek guidance from professors or peers when uncertain about ethical decisions.
d. Collaboration and Peer Support: Encourage a culture of ethical behavior among peers. Collaborate on projects and share ideas, but always maintain the boundary between collaboration and copying. Collaborative work should be a learning experience, not a means to cheat.
e. Utilize Academic Resources: Universities often provide resources like writing centers and academic advisors. These resources can help in understanding academic ethics, improving writing skills, and avoiding plagiarism.
f. Ethics Courses: Take advantage of any ethics courses or workshops offered by the MSN program. These can provide a deeper understanding of ethical dilemmas in healthcare and academia.
2. Professional Work as a Nurse:
a. Code of Ethics: Familiarize yourself with the nursing code of ethics, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. These codes provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice.
b. Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest developments in nursing ethics through continuing education programs. These courses can provide insights into evolving ethical standards and guidelines.
c. Consultation and Supervision: In complex ethical situations, consult with colleagues or supervisors. Seek their input and advice to ensure you are making ethically sound decisions for patient care.
d. Patient Advocacy: Always prioritize the best interests of your patients. Be their advocate and ensure their rights are protected. This includes respecting their autonomy and confidentiality.
e. Ethical Committees: Participate in hospital or healthcare organization ethics committees if possible. This involvement can help shape ethical policies and practices within the institution.
f. Reflective Practice: Regularly engage in reflective practice. Analyze your own actions and decisions to ensure they align with ethical principles. Reflecting on cases where ethical dilemmas were encountered can be particularly instructive.
g. Legal and Ethical Resources: Stay informed about legal and ethical resources relevant to nursing in your jurisdiction. Laws and regulations can vary by location, so it’s important to understand the specific ethical framework within which you practice.
h. Professional Organizations: Join professional nursing organizations, such as the ANA or specialty-specific organizations. These groups often offer guidance on ethical issues and provide a platform for networking with like-minded professionals.
Maintaining integrity and ethics in both academic and professional settings is an ongoing commitment. It requires continuous self-assessment, education, and a dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards. By following these strategies and utilizing available resources, one can navigate the complexities of academia and nursing practice while always acting ethically and with integrity.