Challenges facing the Nursing Profession

Paper Summary:

This paper reports the writer's observations about ethics as they relate to the nursing experience. The paper is written in narrative form and discusses the writer's ideas about autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. The writer notes that she has come to understand that each nurse-patient situation is different and can often be complicated, and as such, cannot limit herself to one ethical theory when dealing with the ethical/moral dilemmas that sometimes arise in these situations.

Outline:
Introduction
Themes and application
Most meaningful themes
Significant learning
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"At the beginning of the course, I saw black and white and would be very close minded about ethics. The main thing I have learned is to incorporate new and deeper knowledge of ethical theories and principles with the analysis of an ethical issue. The key word in my learning is 'complexity'. I see that ethical issues are never simple. For example, the utilitarian idea of the greatest good for the greatest number (Beauchamp & Childress, 2001) sounds perfect but does not always work. My own favorite ethical theory is deontology because of its concern with others and with life. However, I learned I cannot limit myself to one view or I will never be able to deal with ethical dilemmas. Basically, I have learned that we need to have a complete understanding of all ethical theories and principle."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beauchamp, T.L. & Childress, J. F. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics, 5th edition. London: Oxford University Press.
• Fitzpatrick, J. & Whall, A. (1989). Conceptual models of nursing. San Mateo, CA: Appleton & Lange.

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