In This Article Review You Will Explore Ethical Issues And D
In This Article Review You Will Explore Ethical Issues And Discuss Th
In this article review, you will explore ethical issues and discuss their implications. Step 1 Read the article, Moral Courage and the Nurse Leader Download Moral Courage and the Nurse Leader by Cole Edmonson. Step 2 Based on the article, answer the following questions: What are the sources of ethical dilemmas for nurse leaders? How should nurse leaders handle those issues? Explain the 4As Framework recommended by the Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). What are the recommendations that can increase moral courage in nurse leaders? Step 3 Save and submit your assignment. When you have completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself in an easily accessible place and submit a copy to your instructor. Cite all sources in APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
The ethical landscape of nurse leadership is complex and frequently fraught with dilemmas that require moral courage and decisiveness. According to Edmonson (2020), nurse leaders encounter a multitude of ethical challenges rooted in conflicts between organizational policies, patient advocacy, resource allocation, and personal morals. These dilemmas are often compounded by systemic issues, including administrative pressures and societal disparities, which can place nurse leaders in morally distressing situations. Recognizing and understanding the sources of ethical dilemmas is essential for effective leadership and ethical practice in nursing.
One primary source of ethical dilemmas for nurse leaders is the conflict between organizational policies and patient advocacy. Nurses and nurse leaders may face situations where institutional policies limit the ability to provide patient-centered care, compelling them to choose between adhering to policies and advocating for patient needs. This conflict can create moral distress, especially when policies are perceived as harming patient outcomes. Additionally, resource constraints—such as staffing shortages and limited access to necessary equipment—pose significant ethical challenges, forcing nurse leaders to prioritize care and make difficult decisions about resource distribution.
Furthermore, systemic issues including healthcare disparities and socioeconomic factors influence ethical decision-making. Disparities in access to healthcare services can compel nurse leaders to navigate ethically complex situations where social justice conflicts with organizational directives. The increasing prevalence of ethical dilemmas related to end-of-life care, consent, and confidentiality also complicate the decision-making process in nursing leadership (Edmonson, 2020).
Effective handling of these ethical issues demands a structured approach, which the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) advocates through the 4As Framework. This framework consists of three core elements—Ask, Appreciate, Analyze, and Act—designed to support ethical decision-making among nurse leaders. The first step, Ask, involves recognizing an ethical issue and seeking clarity about the values and stakeholders involved. Appreciate emphasizes understanding the perspectives and values of all parties, fostering respect and empathy. Analyze entails evaluating the ethical principles, potential consequences, and organizational policies that influence the dilemma. Finally, Act requires implementing an ethically justified course of action, with a commitment to integrity and accountability (AACN, 2016).
To increase moral courage among nurse leaders, several strategies are recommended. Education and ongoing ethics training are fundamental, equipping leaders with the knowledge and confidence to confront ethical challenges. Providing a supportive work environment that encourages open dialogue and ethical reflection is also crucial, enabling nurse leaders to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. Mentorship programs and ethical leadership development initiatives can further reinforce moral courage by modeling ethical behavior and fostering resilience (Clancy, 2014). Additionally, institutional policies that promote ethical practices and protect whistleblowers can empower nurse leaders to act in accordance with their moral convictions.
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas in nursing leadership stem from complex sources including organizational conflicts, resource limitations, and systemic inequities. Addressing these challenges requires a structured approach such as the AACN’s 4As Framework, along with strategies to bolster moral courage. Ethical acuity, supportive organizational culture, and continuous education are integral to fostering ethical leadership and ensuring that nurse leaders can effectively advocate for their patients and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession.
References
Clancy, C. M. (2014). Moral courage in nursing education and practice. Journal of Nursing Education, 53(4), 183-184. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20140320-02
Edmonson, C. (2020). Moral courage and the nurse leader. American Nurse Journal. https://www.americannurse.org
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2016). The AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. AACN.
Lachman, V. D. (2014). Ethical decision making in nursing: Theory, practice, and leadership. Nursing Management, 45(2), 40-45. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000432522.35109.11
Morrison, E. E. (2018). Building moral courage in nursing leadership. Nursing Outlook, 66(5), 583-589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2018.03.012
Manninen, B. (2017). Ethical decision making for nurses: A cultural perspective. Nursing Ethics, 24(3), 321-330. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733016638654
Storch, J., & Kenna, C. (2017). Ethical challenges and decision making in nursing leadership. Healthcare Management Forum, 30(2), 66-71. https://doi.org/10.1177/0840470417697994
Belmont, M. E. (2019). Strategies to foster moral resilience in nursing. Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(2), 70-74. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000724