Ethical Dilemma

Case Study # 115852

Ethics
Medical and Health > Nursing

Ethical Dilemma

A discussion on how to deal with an ethical dilemma.

969 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a case study that discusses ethical principles and begins by citing a situation in which a student nurse detects the scent of alcohol near the nurse's station. Possible solutions for dealing with the dilemma are suggested in the conclusion.

Outline:
The Ethical Problem
The Ethical Principles at Play
The Potential Solutions
The Decisive Course
Cultural Influences
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"JD, a student nurse on the job, detected the scent of alcohol while standing in proximity to the nurse's station. Feeling a responsibility to say something, JD did, at which time one of the nurses sitting at the station disappeared, reappearing a moment later smelling distinctly of mint, the scent of alcohol then gone. JD did not speak up immediately, instead choosing to observe the behavior of the nurse in his/her interactions with the patients as well as her general performance. The situation however did not settle well with JD, and eventually, after the fact at a conference with her teacher, JD voiced her concerns in regards to the nurse having been possibly drinking on the job. Unfortunately for the conscience of JD, it was too late to prove anything and thus impossible to move upon. The ethical issue at hand is whether or not JD should have spoken up immediately, and whether or not it was her place, or responsibility, to do so."

Sample of Sources Used:

"Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct." American Psychological Association. Retrieved on 3 November 2008, from:
"Are ethical principles malleable in the negotiation environment?" Australasian Business Intelligence. (Sept 15, 2008): NA. General OneFile. Gale. Worcester Public Library.4 Nov. 2008http://find.galegroup.com.ezwx.ez.cwmars.org:58000/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF>.