Ethical Nursing Practice
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.
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.
- 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.