Please share an incident that you have witnessed as a nurse or nursing student that you felt had an unethical component. Visit the ANA Code of Ethics and identify the Provision and the interpretive statement that you believe confirms the unethical occurrence.
The ANA Code of Ethics and an Ethical Dilemma in Nursing Practice
The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses serves as a foundational guide for ethical nursing practice. It provides a framework for addressing ethical challenges and ensuring nurses act with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. This essay reflects on an incident involving an unethical practice I observed during my clinical rotation as a nursing student and aligns the issue with a specific provision and interpretive statement from the ANA Code of Ethics.
Incident Description
During a clinical rotation in a hospital, I observed a nurse deliberately ignoring a patient’s request for pain medication. The patient, a post-operative individual, had been prescribed an analgesic to manage severe pain. Despite the patient’s repeated calls for assistance, the nurse dismissed the complaints, claiming the patient was exaggerating their pain to receive medication sooner than scheduled. While the nurse later administered the medication, the delay caused unnecessary suffering, emotional distress, and a breach of trust between the patient and the healthcare provider.
This incident had significant ethical implications. The nurse’s actions not only failed to honor the patient’s dignity but also violated their right to effective pain management. As I reflected on this situation, I recognized that the nurse’s behavior contradicted professional ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy and compassionate care.
ANA Code of Ethics: Provision and Interpretive Statement
Provision 1 of the ANA Code of Ethics directly addresses the unethical nature of this occurrence. Provision 1 states: “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.” The interpretive statement under Provision 1.4, “The Right to Self-Determination,” elaborates that nurses must respect and honor a patient’s autonomy, including their expression of health needs and preferences.
The nurse’s dismissal of the patient’s pain failed to align with this provision. By disregarding the patient’s complaints, the nurse undermined the individual’s autonomy and right to self-determination, both of which are central to ethical nursing practice. Moreover, the nurse’s behavior fell short of fulfilling the obligation to provide timely, effective care aimed at alleviating suffering. The patient’s voice was not respected, and their dignity was compromised.
Reflection and Ethical Implications
This incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to ethical principles in nursing practice. Pain management is a fundamental aspect of patient care, and neglecting it can have significant physical and psychological consequences. Nurses are not only caregivers but also patient advocates who must ensure that patients receive equitable and compassionate treatment.
The ANA Code of Ethics reinforces the nurse’s responsibility to prioritize patient well-being and act in a manner that reflects respect and empathy. The situation also underscores the necessity of fostering a culture of accountability and ethical awareness in healthcare settings. Nurses must remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing unethical behaviors, whether through direct intervention or by reporting incidents to appropriate authorities.
Conclusion
The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses provides a vital framework for maintaining professional integrity and addressing ethical challenges. The incident I witnessed during my clinical rotation revealed a violation of Provision 1 and the associated interpretive statement on self-determination. By reflecting on such experiences, nurses and nursing students can cultivate a deeper understanding of their ethical responsibilities and strive to provide care that upholds the dignity and rights of all patients.