Evaluate An Issue And Consider How You Could Act Morally

Evaluate an issue and consider how you could act as a moral agent or advocate,

This assignment challenges students to critically examine an ethical, moral, or legal dilemma encountered within their healthcare environment, with an emphasis on leadership roles and moral advocacy. The task involves defining key conceptual frameworks—namely ethics, morality, and legality—and exploring how these constructs influence decision-making processes in complex situations. Additionally, students are asked to reflect on their leadership styles, derived from self-assessment tools like the Kiersey Temperament Sorter, and analyze how these styles may serve either as facilitators or barriers when addressing dilemmas. Guided by professional nursing standards, organizational mission statements, and core values, the paper encourages an integration of personal motivations for standing up on critical issues, especially when ethical integrity is challenged.

Paper For Above instruction

Leadership in nursing is inherently intertwined with ethical, moral, and legal considerations, which collectively shape the decision-making processes and actions of practitioners. To understand these elements comprehensively, it is essential to define their individual and collective significance within healthcare. Ethics refers to the systematic study of moral principles that govern behavior, ensuring actions align with societal and professional standards (Marquis & Huston, 2015). Morality pertains to personal beliefs about right and wrong, often rooted in cultural, religious, or societal norms (Cianci et al., 2014). Legal standards consist of codified laws and regulations enacted by legislative bodies to regulate conduct and protect public welfare (Disch, 2014). Recognizing the distinctions and overlaps among these constructs enables nurse leaders to navigate complex dilemmas effectively, ensuring decisions are ethically sound, morally justifiable, and legally compliant.

An illustrative dilemma encountered in a clinical setting involves a nurse witnessing a fellow staff member administering medication without proper documentation, jeopardizing patient safety and violating established protocols. The ethical implications revolve around patient advocacy, ensuring safety and adherence to evidence-based practice. Morally, it challenges the nurse's obligation to uphold honesty and integrity, while legally, it risks violating regulations set forth by healthcare authorities and jeopardizing licensure (Marquis & Huston, 2015). This scenario exemplifies the intersection of ethical, moral, and legal principles, emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting and accountability.

As a moral agent or advocate, my role involves recognizing the significance of ethical principles such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice (Martin, 2014). I am responsible for speaking up and addressing the misconduct to protect the patient’s wellbeing, ensure accountability, and maintain professional standards. This advocacy requires courage, moral conviction, and an understanding of organizational hierarchies and conflict resolution strategies. Acting as an advocate also involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, engaging in ethical decision-making frameworks, and pursuing systemic change when necessary (Cianci et al., 2014). These actions serve to foster a culture of safety, integrity, and continuous improvement within healthcare environments.

My self-assessment of leadership styles, based on the Kiersey Temperament Sorter, indicates tendencies toward collaborative and empathetic leadership approaches. Such styles facilitate open communication, trust, and team cohesion, which are vital when confronting ethical dilemmas. Conversely, certain traits identified—such as reluctance to confront authority—could pose barriers to moral advocacy if not managed consciously. Recognizing these potential challenges allows for strategic development of emotional intelligence, assertiveness, and ethical resilience, thereby enhancing the capacity to act effectively in morally distressing situations (Cianci et al., 2014).

Integral to ethical decision-making and leadership is an understanding of the distinctions between ethical, moral, and legal leadership. Ethical leadership emphasizes guiding others by exemplifying integrity, fairness, and respect. Moral leadership centers on personal virtues and values, acting in accordance with one’s conscience. Legal leadership involves adherence to laws and policies governing practice. All three perspectives are critical in nursing, shaping practice standards, organizational policies, and personal conduct (Marquis & Huston, 2015).

The nursing profession is guided by fundamental values such as advocacy, accountability, compassion, and respect for human dignity. These principles align with the organization’s mission and vision statements, which emphasize patient-centered care, safety, and ethical excellence. Leadership and management competencies—such as ethical reasoning, communication, and conflict resolution—support nurses in fulfilling their roles as advocates. Personal motivation for standing up on issues, even when inconvenient or challenging, stems from a deep commitment to the core values of the profession and a desire to uphold justice and human rights. Maintaining moral courage in the face of adversity reinforces professional integrity and promotes positive change (Disch, 2014).

In conclusion, navigating ethical dilemmas as a nurse leader requires an integrated understanding of ethical, moral, and legal principles, as well as self-awareness of leadership styles and personal motivations. Acting as a moral agent entails advocating for patients and facilitating organizational integrity, even under difficult circumstances. Through critical reflection, adherence to professional standards, and strategic leadership, nurses can effectively address dilemmas and foster a healthcare environment grounded in ethical excellence and compassionate advocacy.

References

• Cianci, A. M., Hannah, S. T., Roberts, R. P., & Tsakumis, G. T. (2014). The effects of authentic leadership on followers' ethical decision-making in the face of temptation: An experimental study. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(3).
• Disch, J. (2014). Using Evidence-Based Advocacy to Improve the Nation's Health. Nurse Leader, 12(4), 28-31. doi:10.1016/j.mnl.2014.05.003
• Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012a). Ethical, moral, and legal leadership. Baltimore, MD: Author.
• Martin, M. B. (2014). Transcultural Advocacy and Policy in the Workplace: Implications for Nurses in Professional Development. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 30(1), 29-33. doi: 10.1097/NND
• Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2015). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.