Ethics and Dilemmas of Patient Care

Paper Summary:

The paper presents a nursing situation that demonstrates the role and responsibility of nurses as advocates of patient safety and quality of care. The paper discusses the issues raised in this particular situation such as lack of time for nurses to offer even basic care to their patients, harm caused to patients because of not getting basic care, the patient's and family's right to know, how the truth should be told, and the problems connected with whistle-blowing. The paper then looks at possible options and resolutions for dealing with the issues.

Outline:
Introduction
Core Issues in the Situation
Potential Options
Analysis of Each Option
Theoretically Defensible Position
What Made the Situation Challenging?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"refers to adhering to high moral principles or professional standards.
In this series on the heart of nursing, the role of integrity in nursing practice merits a mention. Every year, market researchers conduct a poll in various countries to find out how the population surveyed rate a range of professions and occupations in relation to honesty and ethical standards. In Australia, the UK and the United States, nurses are frequently ranked number one, or pretty close to it. In the US, nurses have been ranked top for 'honesty and integrity' every year since 1999, except 2001, when they were ranked second.
"Being honest is at the heart of our work. That is why the charge nurse is still upset about the part he played in Meg's care, and why nurses often go home troubled because they have not, in their own eyes, been able to maintain integrity in their practice."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) (2002). Codes of ethics for registered nurses. Ottawa: CNA.
• College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) (2004). Consent. Toronto: CNO.
• College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) (2004). Professional standards revised 2002. Toronto: CNO.
• College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) (2004). Legislation and regulation: Professional misconduct. Toronto: CNO.
• Johnstone, M. (2005). Whistle-blowing and accountability. Australian Nursing Journal, 13(5), 8.

More papers on Ethics and Dilemmas of Patient Care:

• Case Study # 112707 : "Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Care"
• Term Paper # 143023 : "Balancing Ethics and Patient Needs"
• Essay # 27833 : "Nursing Ethics"

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