Discussion 3 After Studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Re ✓ Solved
Discussion 3 After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Reso
After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following: How do you separate your personal beliefs/values and the ethics of practice? Include an example.
Submission Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.
Paper For Above Instructions
In any profession, especially in healthcare, separating personal beliefs and values from ethical practice is undeniably challenging. As a dialysis nurse, who interacts with patients facing diverse backgrounds and circumstances, maintaining professionalism while navigating through personal beliefs is crucial for effective patient care.
Understanding Personal Beliefs and Values
Personal beliefs and values are often shaped by a combination of cultural, religious, and experiential influences. For instance, many individuals may hold beliefs regarding medical treatments, end-of-life care, or patient rights based on their upbringing or faith. These beliefs can significantly influence how a nurse approaches patient care. However, in a professional setting, especially in nursing, it becomes essential to prioritize ethical standards over personal views.
The Importance of Ethical Practice
Ethical practice in nursing is guided by principles established by professional organizations and regulatory bodies. The American Nurses Association (ANA), for example, emphasizes the importance of respect for human dignity, the provision of safe and competent care, and the promotion of health for all individuals (Mason et al., 2016). Ethical nursing practice requires nurses to provide care based on objective assessments and professional guidelines rather than personal beliefs, ensuring that patients receive fair, unbiased treatment regardless of the nurse's own values.
Strategies for Separation of Personal Beliefs and Ethics
One effective approach to separating personal beliefs and practice ethics is through reflective practice. Reflective practice allows nurses to critically evaluate their beliefs, recognize potential biases, and understand how these may affect patient care (Wolbring, Leopatra, & Yumkulov, 2012). For instance, if a nurse holds a strong belief against certain medical interventions due to personal or cultural viewpoints, reflective practice encourages them to remain open to considering evidence-based practices that prioritize patient welfare.
Example from Clinical Experience
As a dialysis nurse, I once encountered a patient who refused treatment due to personal beliefs concerning medical interventions and technology. The patient firmly believed that reliance on machines contradicted their religious values. In this scenario, despite my personal beliefs about the effectiveness and necessity of dialysis, I had to focus on the ethical obligation to respect the patient’s autonomy while ensuring they understood the consequences of their choice.
During our discussion, I presented the facts about the importance of dialysis for their health, the potential risks of refusing treatment, and the implications for their quality of life. My role was not to challenge their beliefs but to provide information, support, and options. Ultimately, the patient chose to decline treatment, and while it was difficult for me, adhering to the ethical principle of respect for patient autonomy was paramount.
Incorporating Continued Education
Continued education is another vital component in ensuring that nurses stay current in ethical practices while minimizing the influence of personal beliefs. Engaging with professional organizations and attending workshops can enhance understanding of health policy and ethical guidelines affecting patient care (Catallo, Spalding, & Haghiri-Vigeh, 2014). Keeping abreast of new information and insights in the field ensures that nurses can remain ethical practitioners even amid personal conflicts of belief.
Conclusion
In conclusion, separating personal beliefs and values from the ethics of practice is critical for nurses, particularly in fields like dialysis, where patient choices can greatly impact health outcomes. By using reflective practice, respecting patient autonomy, and engaging in ongoing education, nurses can navigate these complexities while providing ethically responsible care. It is vital for healthcare professionals to remain dedicated to their ethical obligations, ensuring that patient care remains equitable and compassionate despite differing personal views.
References
- Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Understanding nursing ethics: A nursing perspective. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Gnadinger, T. (2014). Health affairs web first: How do health policy researchers use social media? Health Affairs Blog.
- Wolbring, G., Leopatra, V., & Yumkulov, S. (2012). Information flow and health policy literacy: The role of the media. Information, 3(3), 62-75.
- Catallo, C., Spalding, K., & Haghiri-Vigeh, R. (2014). Nursing professional organizations: What are they doing to engage nurses in health policy? Sage Open.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). Author.
- Hoffman, J. (2017). The ethics of health care reform: A guide to the upcoming debate. Health Policy Journal, 14(2), 100-115.
- Fisher, M. (2016). Reflective practice in nursing: A guide to self-development. Journal of Nursing Management, 24(5), 679-688.
- Burkhardt, M. A., & Nathaniel, A. K. (2014). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing (4th ed.). Delmar Cengage Learning.
- Hafford-Letchfield, T., & Rudd, P. (2015). Ethics in nursing: A critical approach. Sage Publications.
- McNett, M. (2019). The intersection of ethics, law, and nursing practice. Nursing Ethics, 26(6), 1780-1793.