Nurses often encounter ethical issues and dilemmas in their field, which require a solid understanding of personal values and morals to address effectively. As these decision-making processes are learned over time, some situations may prove more challenging than others. This paper aims to identify the ethical issues presented in the week one case study assignment and examine how ethical principles can be applied to resolve them. Furthermore, this paper will discuss potential conflicts between nursing students' personal values and the ethical principles that apply to the case study.
The article outlines the handling of ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings, specifically addressing how a professional nursing organization integrates its ethical principles into practice. The case study raises concerns regarding possible child abuse, and the nurse’s communication with the physician regarding these concerns. The lack of follow-up
...in addressing this ethical issue is concerning, with further investigation needed to protect the child’s rights. Nurses have a responsibility, as governed by law, to report any suspected abuse to appropriate authorities.
A nurse should understand and utilize the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, veracity, fidelity, justice, paternalism, and respect for others in their practice (Guido, 2006, pg. 1). Advocating for patients is a crucial ethical principle that nurses are responsible for. In the case of an eight-month-old child who cannot advocate for themselves, the nurse must do so on their behalf by safeguarding their health, safety, and rights. As part of this advocacy, a nurse must also display compassion and respect towards all individuals they encounter, including the mother if there is suspicion of child abuse.
As a nursing student, my personal values prioritize the suspicion of child abuse in
cases of bilateral femur fractures. Additionally, I strongly condemn any form of abuse towards others within my personal life. Another significant value of mine is to show respect towards others, although this can be challenging when encountering patients and families who demonstrate a lack of respect towards themselves and those around them.
Although it may be challenging to set aside personal biases when abuse leads to injuries, respecting both an eight-month-old child and their mother is crucial. As a nursing student, acknowledging responsibility for actions and treating everyone with fairness and respect is imperative, even when encountering individuals who do not hold the same ethical standards. When patient safety is a top priority in outpatient clinics or urgent care centers, reporting the child's injuries to child protective services may be necessary. It is essential to honor the child's rights and conduct a thorough investigation.
Ensuring the safety and care of children in daycare facilities is crucial, which may necessitate an inquiry by child protective services irrespective of the mother's innocence. The ANAC, a nursing association that prioritizes professionalism, emphasizes the importance of maintaining patients' health and well-being.
The mission statement of the ANAC is to enhance the nursing profession's ability to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This involves maintaining exemplary standards of nursing practice, promoting professional growth and conduct, conducting research, advocating for legislation, and improving professional work environments. Nurses must adhere to a code of ethics established by the American Nurses Association in their field. Additionally, the ANAC distributes a newsletter to communicate its principles to all licensed nurses in California.
The ANAC strives to support nursing education, practice, legislation, national ANA events,
advisory boards, and other pertinent information applicable to nurses in California. These activities aid in promoting ethical principles to both members and the public. The ethical case study presented dilemmas commonly encountered in nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of nurses being aware of their personal values when facing ethical conflicts. Joining a professional nursing organization is a crucial way for nurses to advocate for their profession and the public.
- Values of Life essays
- Ethical dilemma essays
- Normative Ethics essays
- Virtue Ethics essays
- Belief essays
- Deontology essays
- Moral essays
- Virtue essays
- Work Ethic essays
- Psychometrics essays
- Measure essays
- Why I Want to Be a Nurse essays
- Nursing Profession essays
- Why Did You Choose Nursing essays
- Acceptance essays
- Age Of Enlightenment essays
- Child Observation essays
- Confucianism essays
- Conscience essays
- Critical Reflection essays
- Destiny essays
- Determinism essays
- Empiricism essays
- Environmentalism essays
- Epistemology essays
- Ethics essays
- Ethos essays
- Existence essays
- Existentialism essays
- Fate essays
- Free Will essays
- Functionalism essays
- Future essays
- Good And Evil essays
- Human Nature essays
- Individualism essays
- Meaning Of Life essays
- Metaphysics essays
- Natural Law essays
- Personal Philosophy essays
- Philosophers essays
- Philosophy Of Life essays
- Political Philosophy essays
- Pragmatism essays
- Reality essays
- Relativism essays
- Teaching Philosophy essays
- Time essays
- Transcendentalism essays
- Truth essays