Assignment 3 Grading Rubric For Ethical Issue Paper

Assignment 3 Grading Rubric For Ethical Issue Paperpoints Essential

Identify a current ethical issue encountered by nurses, clearly state the issue, its definition, brief history, and all relevant subtypes or sub-issues. Provide at least four examples illustrating the issue. Explain why this is an ethical concern in nursing and healthcare, including at least three potential impacts on nurses. Describe pro and con viewpoints related to the issue, incorporating positions from three or more professional nursing organizations. Select one of these viewpoints and explain your position, incorporating and citing at least four professional values from relevant codes of ethics. Propose five or more strategies that nurses can collectively implement to enhance ethical practice daily. Ensure the paper is 4-5 pages in APA format, with proper scholarly writing, grammar, and referencing.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical issues in nursing are complex and multifaceted, often reflecting broader societal values, professional standards, and the evolving nature of healthcare delivery. One significant contemporary ethical issue faced by nurses today is patient confidentiality in the digital age. The ethical imperative to maintain patient privacy has become increasingly challenged by technological advancements such as electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and data sharing across platforms. This issue not only encompasses the safeguarding of sensitive information but also raises questions about informed consent, data security, and the potential misuse of information. Historically, patient confidentiality has been a cornerstone of the nursing profession, rooted in the principles outlined by Florence Nightingale and reinforced through modern codes such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.

This issue is a clear ethical concern because it directly involves respecting patient autonomy and trust, fundamental principles in healthcare. As digital tools become integral to patient care, breaches of confidentiality can lead to serious negative outcomes, including loss of trust, emotional distress, discrimination, and even legal consequences for healthcare providers. For instance, data breaches exposing sensitive patient information can compromise personal privacy and cause significant harm, especially for vulnerable populations. On the positive side, innovations aimed at improving data security and educating nurses on ethical handling of digital information can enhance trust and protect patient rights.

Proponents of increased data sharing argue that transparency and accessibility can improve patient outcomes, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and accelerate research, aligning with beneficence and justice. Conversely, opponents emphasize the risks of data breaches, potential misuse, and the erosion of privacy, which threaten patient confidentiality and autonomy. Several professional organizations, including the ANA, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and the World Privacy Forum, have articulated policies emphasizing the importance of safeguarding patient information while leveraging digital technologies ethically. The ANA’s Code of Ethics explicitly states that nurses must protect patient privacy and confidentiality as a fundamental professional responsibility.

My personal stance aligns with a commitment to uphold the safeguard of patient information, grounded in professional values such as respect for persons, trustworthiness, fidelity, and advocacy. These values are reflected in the ANA Code of Ethics, which underscores the nurse’s obligation to protect confidential information and promote a trusting nurse-patient relationship. Specifically, confidentiality supports the patient’s right to privacy, fosters trust, and respects their autonomy. Nurses must be vigilant in applying secure practices such as encryption, access controls, and continuous education on data ethics, to uphold these values in their daily practice.

To further enhance ethical nursing practice, nurses can adopt several strategies. First, implementing robust training programs focused on digital literacy and data protection can empower nurses to handle electronic information responsibly. Second, establishing clear institutional policies on data security, including breach response protocols, ensures accountability and preparedness. Third, fostering a culture of transparency and open communication with patients regarding data use increases trust and shared decision-making. Fourth, advocating for policies that limit unnecessary data sharing and emphasizing patient consent help uphold autonomy. Fifth, integrating ethical considerations into routine practice assessments ensures ongoing reflection and adherence to evolving standards. Collectively, these strategies can substantively contribute to safeguarding patient confidentiality, thus strengthening the ethical integrity of nursing practice.

Conclusion

Addressing the ethical challenges posed by digital technology in nursing requires a comprehensive, proactive approach rooted in core professional values. By understanding the history, importance, viewpoints, and practical strategies related to confidentiality, nurses can navigate this complex landscape responsibly. The ongoing commitment to ethical principles not only protects patients but also upholds the integrity and trustworthiness of the nursing profession in the digital era.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
• Gardner, H. E., & Plouffe, J. (2020). Ethical issues in digital health records. Journal of Nursing Law, 23(2), 45-53.
• HIMSS. (2022). Data security in healthcare: An ethical perspective. Healthcare Information Security Magazine.
• McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2020). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• American Medical Association. (2016). Ethical considerations in telehealth. AMA Journal of Ethics, 18(7), 651-654.
• World Privacy Forum. (2018). Protecting patient privacy in the era of big data. WPForum Reports.
• Felisber, F., & Kovach, R. (2019). Confidentiality and privacy in nursing practice. Nursing Ethics, 26(4), 124-134.
• Pratt, C. C., & Taylor, L. (2021). Ethical challenges in health informatics. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 45(1), 21-27.
• McCarthy, M. (2017). Ethical issues in healthcare technology. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(4), 237-240.
• Gagnon, M. P., et al. (2021). Strategies to improve data privacy in electronic health records: A systematic review. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 21, 29.