Ethics in Nursing

Term Paper # 117643

Ethics
Medical and Health > Nursing

Ethics in Nursing

A look at how ethics is a central component in professional nursing.

1,815 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the many issues which involve ethics within the nursing profession that involve the rights of the patient, end-of-life decisions and the equal distribution of resources. The paper addresses the ethics of nurses refusing gifts upon delivery of quality medical care, and also discusses how nurses have an ethical obligation to remain aloof to personal prejudices and negative feelings so as to provide the patient with the highest quality of care. The paper points out the significance of ethics on existing nurses' perspectives on their occupation.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Nurses' Ethical Perspective
The Practice of Gifting and Ethics
The Ethics of Information
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The field of nursing is one which encompasses endless concepts. That of ethics however is of particular importance to this field of work. Nurses consider ethics to be a motivating factor behind their job satisfaction and career decision. Upon having delivered high-quality care, the concept of ethics comes into play in the attempt on the part of satisfied patients and their families to present gifts to the nurse. Finally, it is an ethical obligation on the part of the nurse to maintain a professional perspective on the job, and to maintain the ethical high-ground and not allow their personal perspectives to influence what are to be indifferent and professional decisions. As will be exhibited, ethics is a central concept in professional nursing."

Sample of Sources Used:

"Ethical decision making in nursing and health care; the symphonological approach, 4th ed." SciTech Book News. 3.08. Retrieved on 23 December 2008, from: <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF>.
Berklan, James M. "Ethical challenges haunt many: survey." McKnight's Long-Term Care News. 29.7, p. 12. Retrieved on 23 December 2008, from: <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF>.
Vojcik, Marek. "'We are told to refuse gifts from patients yet we accept them from drug companies'." Nursing Times. 104.42, p. 12. Retrieved on 23 December 2008, from: <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF>.
"Another ED waiting room death: Don't let it happen on your watch." ED Nursing. 11.08. Retrieved on 23 December 2008, from: <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF>.