Identifythe professional code of ethics for your professional specialty or aspecialty that you are interested in, describe the decision criteria,and analyze each theory using examples and the Ethical Theory Matrix
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Professional Code of Ethics in Nursing
Introduction
The nursing profession is guided by a set of ethical principles that ensure nurses provide safe, effective, and compassionate care. The American Nurses Association (ANA) outlines the Code of Ethics for Nurses, which serves as a foundational document for ethical practice in nursing. This code encompasses the values and responsibilities that nurses hold towards their patients, communities, and the profession itself.
Professional Code of Ethics for Nursing
The ANA’s Code of Ethics consists of nine provisions that outline the ethical commitments of nurses. Here are a few key provisions:
1. Respect for Human Dignity: Nurses must respect the inherent worth, dignity, and rights of all individuals.
2. Commitment to Patient: The primary commitment of a nurse is to the patient, promoting health and well-being.
3. Advocacy: Nurses advocate for the rights, health, and safety of patients.
4. Accountability: Nurses are accountable for their actions and the outcomes of their care.
5. Collaboration: Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
Decision Criteria
When faced with ethical dilemmas, nurses can utilize the following decision criteria:
– Patient Autonomy: Respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own care.
– Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient to promote good and prevent harm.
– Non-maleficence: Avoiding actions that may cause harm to patients.
– Justice: Ensuring fairness in providing care and distributing resources.
Ethical Theories and Analysis
To analyze ethical dilemmas in nursing, we can apply several ethical theories:
1. Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics focuses on adherence to rules or duties. According to this theory, actions are considered moral if they follow established rules or obligations.
– Example: A nurse must report any suspected abuse regardless of the circumstances surrounding the situation. This duty is a fundamental rule in nursing ethics.
2. Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism emphasizes the outcomes of actions, suggesting that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or minimizes suffering.
– Example: A nurse may prioritize resources for patients with the highest chance of recovery in a triage situation during a disaster, aiming to save as many lives as possible.
3. Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics focuses on the character and virtues of the individual making decisions rather than on rules or consequences. It emphasizes the importance of moral character.
– Example: A nurse who demonstrates compassion and empathy when caring for terminally ill patients exemplifies virtue ethics by embodying qualities that promote good care.
Ethical Theory Matrix
Theory Description Example in Nursing
Deontological Adherence to rules or duties; morality based on principles Reporting suspected abuse regardless of consequences
Utilitarianism Focus on outcomes; promote the greatest good for the greatest number Triage decisions during a disaster to save more lives
Virtue Ethics Emphasis on the character and virtues of the individual Demonstrating compassion in end-of-life care
Conclusion
Nurses operate within a complex ethical framework governed by professional codes of ethics. By understanding ethical theories such as deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, nurses can navigate difficult situations more effectively. Utilizing decision criteria based on respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice allows nurses to make informed ethical decisions that prioritize patient care and uphold professional integrity. This framework not only guides individual practice but also strengthens the nursing profession’s commitment to ethical standards in healthcare.
