Table of Contents
Nursing is a crucial component of the healthcare delivery system, therefore it also has to deal with challenging moral issues.
The first often encountered ethical issue in nursing is informed consent. Although patients have the right to complete disclosure of all therapies, interventions, and treatment plans that may impact them, this principle may be challenging to put into practice in certain circumstances owing to communication issues, cognitive impairment, or cultural differences. In these circumstances, nurses must exercise caution while balancing the need to cater for patients’ requirements with their desire for freedom.
Another typical ethical dilemma is choices related to end-of-life issues. Nurses may feel conflicted when deciding whether to stand up for their patient’s interests or the interests of the family while making decisions on severe treatments, do-not-resuscitate orders, or the withdrawal of life support. When the nurse’s personal beliefs conflict with their professional obligations, the issue might become much more problematic.
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When resources are few, as they were during the current COVID-19 pandemic, another ethical issue emerges. When resources are few, nurses may need to make difficult decisions on who receives life-saving treatment. This necessitates taking into account issues of justice and equality in medical care.
The moral conundrum of maintaining patient privacy is another.
Furthermore, when they see improper conduct or dangerous treatments inside the healthcare system, nurses often struggle with moral dilemmas.
Decisions towards the end of life are another common ethical conundrum. When making choices on harsh treatments, do-not-resuscitate orders, or removal of life-support, nurses may feel split between fighting for their patient’s interests and those of the family. This problem may be further compounded when the nurse’s personal convictions collide with their professional duty.
Another ethical problem arises when resources are few, as they were during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. When resources are limited, nurses may have to make tough choices about who gets lifesaving care. This requires considering questions of equity and justice in medical treatment.
The complex and emotionally fraught nature of healthcare means that ethical difficulties are par for the course in the nursing profession. To overcome these obstacles, you need to have a firm grasp of ethical values, strong communication skills, and the capacity to make important judgments quickly. To find a solution, one must weigh opposing moral imperatives while keeping the patient’s best interests in mind. Nurses may be helped in this difficult but essential part of their jobs by having access to professional assistance, ethical training, and a strong ethical atmosphere within healthcare organizations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ethical challenges are common in the nursing profession due to the intricate and emotionally charged nature of healthcare. You need a solid understanding of ethical principles, effective communication abilities, and the ability to swiftly reach key decisions in order to overcome these challenges. One must balance competing moral obligations while keeping the patient’s needs in mind in order to come up with a solution. Nurses may benefit from having access to professional guidance, ethical training, and a strong ethical environment within healthcare institutions in this challenging but crucial aspect of their professions.
References
- Fry, S. T., Veatch, R. M., and Taylor are references. Case Studies in Nursing Ethics. Jones & Bartlett’s publishing house.
- By J. B. Butts and K. L. Rich, 2012. Nursing ethics training and practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- According to Jakel (2014), Fine (2014), Brown-Saltzman (2014), and Pavlish (2014). The Challenges Presented by Moral Decision-Making.
- Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(1), 58–68; Ulrich, C., & Grady, C. Moral instability among healthcare professionals. (2015). Springer International Publishing. Turner, M., Epstein, B. importance of creating an ethical code for nurses. Volume 20 Number 2 of The Online Journal of Nursing Issues.
