Define in your own words “ethical nursing practice.”
Describe the basis or framework you used for your definition.
Explain the difference between legal and ethical nursing practice.
Discuss one ethical or bioethical dilemma a nurse may encounter and describe how it could be handled.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Ethical Nursing Practice: A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
Introduction
Ethical nursing practice is a concept that encompasses the moral principles and standards that guide nurses in providing high-quality, compassionate, and patient-centered care. It involves respecting the dignity, autonomy, and rights of patients while adhering to professional codes of conduct and legal regulations. In this essay, I will define ethical nursing practice, provide the basis for my definition, explain the difference between legal and ethical nursing practice, and discuss a common ethical dilemma that nurses may encounter and propose a possible resolution.
Definition of Ethical Nursing Practice
Ethical nursing practice can be defined as the application of ethical principles and values in providing patient care. It involves making informed decisions based on a solid understanding of professional standards, moral obligations, and the unique needs and preferences of each patient. Ethical nursing practice encompasses both the art and science of nursing, combining clinical expertise with empathy, compassion, and a deep sense of integrity.
Basis for the Definition
My definition of ethical nursing practice is based on several factors:
- Ethical Principles: Ethical nursing practice is rooted in fundamental ethical principles such as beneficence (promoting the well-being of patients), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), autonomy (respecting patients’ rights to make decisions about their care), and justice (fairness in resource allocation and treatment).
- Professional Codes of Conduct: Nursing organizations worldwide have established codes of ethics that outline the responsibilities and expectations of nurses. These codes provide a framework for ethical decision-making and guide nurses in upholding ethical standards.
- Patient-Centered Care: Ethical nursing practice prioritizes the needs, values, and preferences of patients. It recognizes their autonomy and respects their rights to participate in their care decisions. Nurses should engage in open communication, foster trust, and provide culturally sensitive care to promote positive health outcomes.
Difference between Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice
Legal nursing practice refers to the activities and behaviors that are mandated by law and regulated by licensing bodies. It encompasses adhering to legal statutes, maintaining professional licensure, following facility policies, and practicing within the scope of nursing practice. Legal nursing practice ensures that nurses comply with the legal requirements set forth by governmental authorities to protect the public and maintain professional standards.
On the other hand, ethical nursing practice goes beyond legal obligations. It involves making morally sound decisions in situations where there may be conflicting values or principles. Ethical dilemmas often arise when there is a clash between what is legally permissible and what is morally right. Nurses are expected to navigate these complex situations by considering the best interests of the patient while upholding their own professional integrity.
Ethical Dilemma: Confidentiality vs. Duty to Warn
One common ethical dilemma that nurses may encounter is the conflict between maintaining patient confidentiality and the duty to warn potential victims of harm. For instance, a nurse may learn that a patient with a history of domestic violence plans to harm their spouse or children. In such a situation, the nurse faces the dilemma of respecting the patient’s right to privacy versus protecting potential victims from harm.
To handle this ethical dilemma, the nurse should consider the following steps:
- Assess the Risk: The nurse should evaluate the level of risk to potential victims by gathering as much information as possible. This may involve discussing the situation with other healthcare professionals and consulting legal and ethical guidelines.
- Seek Supervision: The nurse should consult with their supervisor or an ethics committee to discuss the ethical dilemma and explore potential courses of action. This ensures that decisions are made in collaboration and within a broader ethical framework.
- Respect Autonomy: If possible, the nurse should engage in a therapeutic conversation with the patient, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and providing resources for domestic violence support. The patient’s autonomy and right to make decisions about their care should be respected unless there is an imminent threat to others.
- Consider Legal Obligations: The nurse should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements in their jurisdiction regarding the duty to warn. In some cases, legal obligations may supersede patient confidentiality, allowing the nurse to disclose information to protect potential victims.
- Document Decision-Making Process: Whatever decision is made, it is crucial for the nurse to document the rationale and discussions around the ethical dilemma. This ensures transparency and provides a record of the thought process behind the decision.
By following these steps, nurses can navigate the ethical dilemma of confidentiality versus duty to warn in a responsible and patient-centered manner.
Conclusion
Ethical nursing practice is a vital aspect of healthcare delivery, ensuring that patients receive care that is both legally compliant and morally sound. By embracing ethical principles, following professional codes of conduct, and prioritizing patient-centered care, nurses can navigate the complex ethical dilemmas they may encounter. It is through ethical nursing practice that nurses uphold the trust patients place in them and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
