Respond To The Following Prompts Using Research And Your Own ✓ Solved

Respond to the following prompts using research and your own

Respond to the following prompts using research and your own personal experience. Think of an ethical issue that has occurred at your workplace or that you have witnessed in your nursing experience. Using research, identify two ethical principles or theories that are most pertinent to your place of work or the situation you witnessed. Discuss how these principles came into play and what role, if any, you played in the situation or what you observed in relation to these principles. For this post, you must show research in your writing using in-text citations and show your reference in 7th. ed. APA.

Paper For Above Instructions

Ethical issues are commonplace in the nursing profession, often arising from the complex interplay of patient care, organizational policies, and personal beliefs. This essay explores an ethical dilemma encountered during my nursing experience, focusing on the principles of autonomy and beneficence. By examining this situation, I aim to highlight the significance of these ethical principles and my observations regarding the conflict and resolution.

One ethical issue that stands out in my experience occurred in the context of end-of-life care. A patient, Mr. Stevens, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had expressed his wishes to forgo aggressive treatments in favor of palliative care. However, his family was not in agreement with his wishes and insisted on pursuing every possible treatment option, believing it would yield hope for recovery. This situation exemplified a conflict between the ethical principles of autonomy and beneficence, which are critical in addressing patient care decisions.

Understanding Ethical Principles

Autonomy is defined as the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives and bodies, a core value in nursing and healthcare overall (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). In Mr. Stevens' case, his autonomy was threatened by his family's insistence on aggressive treatment contrary to his expressed wishes. As a nurse, I understood the importance of advocating for Mr. Stevens' autonomy and ensuring that his voice was heard in the decision-making process. On the other hand, beneficence—an ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of patients—complicates the situation (Gillon, 1994). Family members, believing that pursuing treatment was beneficial for Mr. Stevens, were acting out of love and concern but were undermining his right to determine his own path of care.

The Role of Communication

In this situation, my role as a nurse involved facilitating communication between Mr. Stevens and his family. I initiated conversations aimed at clarifying his wishes and the reasons behind his choice to forgo aggressive treatments. I encouraged Mr. Stevens to express his preferences to his family directly, fostering an environment where he felt empowered to assert his autonomy. My actions were guided by the understanding that ethical nursing practice requires respect for patients' rights while balancing family dynamics.

Ultimately, I observed that open communication played a crucial role in resolving the ethical conflict. By promoting respectful dialogue, the family began to understand the importance of Mr. Stevens’ preferences, recognizing his right to make choices about his care. This shift in perspective facilitated a consensus that prioritized his autonomy and aligned with the principle of beneficence. This case highlighted the essential nature of effective communication within healthcare settings—an aspect that significantly impacts ethical decision-making.

Reflection on Ethical Responsibility

Reflecting on this experience, I recognized the ethical responsibility that nurses have not only to advocate for patients’ autonomy but also to educate families about the importance of these choices. Legislative frameworks and ethical guidelines emphasize the significance of patient rights, yet the emotional complexities involved in family dynamics can often cloud judgment (American Nurses Association, 2015). This scenario reinforced my belief that a foundation built upon respect for patient autonomy fosters ethical practice and improves patient care outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ethical dilemmas encountered in nursing encapsulate the challenges faced when balancing the principles of autonomy and beneficence. My experience with Mr. Stevens' case illustrated the critical need for effective communication and respect for patient rights, which ultimately guided family decisions toward a more ethical resolution. As nurses, it is our duty to advocate for our patients, ensuring that their values and wishes shape the care they receive. Understanding and applying ethical principles like autonomy and beneficence is vital for maintaining the integrity of the nursing profession and enhancing patient trust and outcomes.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. Nursebooks.org.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Gillon, R. (1994). Medical ethics: Four principles plus attention to scope. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 309(6948), 184-188.
• Harrison, R. M. (2020). Ethical decision making in nursing: Fortifying the core of nursing practice. Nursing Ethics, 27(6), 1426-1437.
• Jenkins, S., & Hoxworth, L. (2017). Conflict resolution in healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Management, 62(5), 369-376.
• Lachman, V. D. (2016). Ethical challenges in nursing: A review of the literature. International Nursing Review, 63(3), 381-390.
• McMillan, D. E., & McMillan, S. (2018). Patient autonomy and the ethics of end-of-life care. The American Journal of Nursing, 118(1), 38-47.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2016). Client safety: A guide to the legal standards governing nursing practice. NCSBN.
• Olsen, M. J., & McMahon, M. (2015). Ethical nursing practice: The role of advocacy and the nurse-patient relationship. Nursing Ethics, 22(4), 403-412.
• Shuman, L. M. (2021). The art of communication in nursing practice. Clinical Journal of Nursing, 26(5), 631-641.