What Expertise Supports And Character Traits Do You Believe

What Expertise Supports And Character Traits Do You Believe A Nurse

What expertise, supports, and character traits do you believe a nurse needs to possess in order to practice non-maleficence in nursing? For each item you name, give an example and show how this skill/trait will help nurses to become more ethical in their practice. Describe a situation in which non-maleficence might potentially come into conflict with a different precept in nursing. Write about the conflict you describe and analyze what you see as the most ethical approach to dealing with this tension.

Paper For Above instruction

The principle of non-maleficence, which mandates "do no harm," is fundamental to ethical nursing practice. To uphold this principle effectively, nurses must possess a combination of specific expertise, supports, and character traits. These qualities enable nurses to deliver ethical care, navigate complex clinical situations, and balance competing ethical principles when conflicts arise.

One critical trait for practicing non-maleficence is clinical competence, which encompasses a nurse’s technical skills, knowledge, and judgment. For example, a nurse administering medication must accurately calculate dosages to prevent overdose or underdose, thereby avoiding harm to the patient. Possessing strong clinical competence ensures that nurses carry out procedures correctly, which directly supports the ethical obligation to prevent harm and promotes patient safety. When nurses demonstrate expertise, they reduce the risk of preventable errors, thereby reinforcing their moral commitment to "do no harm."

A second important support is critical thinking ability. Nurses frequently confront complex situations requiring rapid assessment and decision-making. For instance, if a patient shows signs of deteriorating condition, a nurse with adept critical thinking skills can prioritize interventions that prevent further harm. These skills help nurses analyze information accurately, anticipate potential complications, and make informed decisions that safeguard patient well-being. Critical thinking promotes ethical practice by allowing nurses to evaluate the potential consequences of their actions and avoid inadvertent harm.

Character traits such as empathy and moral integrity are also essential. Empathy enables nurses to understand and respect patients’ experiences, which enhances their ability to identify subtle signs of distress or potential harm. For example, an empathetic nurse noticing a patient’s discomfort may investigate further before proceeding with a treatment, thus avoiding harm that might result from ignoring patient cues. Moral integrity ensures that nurses are committed to ethical principles, even in difficult situations, which sustains their dedication to non-maleficence.

Supportive frameworks, such as ongoing education and institutional policies, reinforce these traits. Continuous professional development helps nurses stay current with advances in medicine, safety protocols, and ethical standards. For example, training on new infection control procedures minimizes the risk of patient harm through preventable infections. Institutional supports like reporting systems for adverse events promote a culture of safety and accountability, which underpins ethical nursing practice rooted in non-maleficence.

However, conflicts can arise between non-maleficence and other ethical principles such as autonomy. A typical example involves respecting a competent patient's decision to refuse a recommended treatment. Suppose a patient with a life-threatening condition refuses blood transfusions due to personal beliefs. The nurse recognizes that administering transfusions could SAVE the patient, but doing so against their wishes would cause emotional harm or violate autonomy. Conversely, respecting autonomy could lead to harm or even death, violating non-maleficence.

In such conflicts, the most ethical approach involves balancing respect for patient autonomy with the duty to prevent harm. Engaging in dialogue, providing comprehensive information, and understanding the patient's values are crucial steps. In this case, the nurse should ensure the patient comprehensively understands the risks and benefits, exploring alternatives if available. When the patient’s decision is informed and voluntary, respecting autonomy may take precedence, given the ethical importance of respecting individual rights. Nonetheless, the nurse must also advocate for the patient's well-being within ethical boundaries, seeking the most compassionate and least harmful solution.

In conclusion, skills and traits such as clinical competence, critical thinking, empathy, and moral integrity are vital for nurses to uphold non-maleficence. These qualities, supported by continuous education and systemic safeguards, empower nurses to practice ethically. When conflicts between ethical principles emerge, a balanced, respectful, and patient-centered approach ensures that nurses navigate moral tensions responsibly and compassionately.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Crandall, C. S., & Lane, D. J. (2021). Ethical decision-making in nursing practice. Nursing Ethics, 28(2), 250-263. https://doi.org/10.1177/09697330211003286
• Hoffmann, T., & Cope, V. (2020). Ethical principles and professional boundaries in nursing: An integrative review. Nursing & Health Sciences, 22(4), 837-847. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12741
• Kaldjian, L. C. (2022). Ethical dilemmas in healthcare: Balancing non-maleficence and autonomy. Journal of Ethics in Healthcare, 18(3), 123-130.
• Shaw, D., & White, E. (2020). Supporting ethical decision-making in nursing: The role of institutional frameworks. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(5), 1234-1241. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13076