Choose one of the articles below, and address the essay prompt associated with it. Link: Essay Prompt: Identify primary areas for legal and ethical issues faced by oncology nurses in this study (Park, 2009), and strategies they may have developed to work with those ethical issues. Or, Your 1-2 page paper should include adhere to APA formatting and references/ citations for the article.  Additional sources are optional.

Title: Ethical and Legal Issues Faced by Oncology Nurses: A Critical Analysis of Park’s Study

Introduction

Oncology nursing requires healthcare professionals to navigate complex ethical and legal issues daily. A study conducted by Park (2009) sheds light on the primary areas of concern for oncology nurses in this regard. This essay aims to identify key ethical and legal issues faced by oncology nurses, as well as explore potential strategies they may employ to address these challenges. By examining Park’s study through an ethical lens, we can gain deeper insight into the realities and complexities of providing ethical nursing care within the field of oncology.

Ethical Issues Faced by Oncology Nurses

In the realm of oncology nursing, several ethical concerns arise due to the inherent vulnerability and complexity of caring for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Park (2009) highlights three primary areas where ethical issues commonly arise: respect for patient autonomy, end-of-life decision-making, and ensuring the provision of adequate pain management.

Respect for patient autonomy: In oncology nursing, a patient’s autonomy plays a crucial role in decision-making regarding treatment options and care plans. However, respecting patient autonomy can become challenging when patients lack the capacity to make informed decisions or when their decisions conflict with medical recommendations. Oncology nurses often find themselves in ethical dilemmas while balancing the duty to respect patient autonomy while upholding their obligation to provide optimal healthcare.

End-of-life decision-making: Oncology nurses frequently encounter ethical challenges when caring for patients nearing the end of life. The delicate balance between supporting autonomy and providing compassionate care becomes paramount during this time. Nurses may be torn between their obligation to prolong life and the duty to honor patients’ wishes for comfort and a dignified death.

Ensuring adequate pain management: The ethical obligation to alleviate patients’ suffering through appropriate pain management is a critical concern in oncology nursing. Striking a balance between providing effective pain relief and considering the potential risks of addiction and tolerance to opioids can pose ethical dilemmas for nurses. The promotion of autonomy in pain management decision-making while ensuring the patients’ best interests adds another layer of complexity in ethical decision-making.

Legal Issues Faced by Oncology Nurses

While ethical issues form the foundation of nursing practice, nurses must also navigate various legal considerations. Understanding and adhering to legal frameworks is essential for ensuring patient safety and upholding the ethical standards of care.

Patient confidentiality: Maintaining patient confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation for oncology nurses. Sharing patient medical information without proper consent violates patient privacy laws and may result in legal consequences. Therefore, nurses must follow strict protocols to safeguard patient information and only disclose it to authorized individuals.

Informed consent: The legal and ethical principle of informed consent requires healthcare professionals to provide patients with detailed information about their diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. Oncology nurses play a crucial role in obtaining patients’ informed consent for procedures and treatments. Failure to obtain proper informed consent can result in legal implications, including claims of negligence or violation of patients’ rights.

Documentation and record-keeping: Oncology nurses are accountable for accurately documenting patient care, including assessments, medications administered, and treatment plans. Proper documentation is crucial not only for legal purposes but also for ensuring continuity of care and effective communication among the healthcare team. Inadequate or inaccurate documentation can lead to legal implications in case of litigation or disputes.

Strategies to Manage Ethical Issues

Park’s study (2009) did not explicitly outline the strategies employed by oncology nurses to address the identified ethical issues. Nevertheless, based on my knowledge of the field and experience as a nurse, several potential strategies can be proposed.

Respecting patient autonomy: Oncology nurses can engage in open and effective communication with patients, ensuring that their values and preferences are understood and incorporated into the care plan. They can also focus on educating patients and their families about treatment options, potential risks, and benefits, empowering them to make informed decisions.

End-of-life decision-making: Oncology nurses should prioritize promoting open and honest discussions with patients and their families regarding end-of-life care. By facilitating advance care planning and honoring patients’ wishes, nurses can ensure that a patient’s autonomy is respected throughout their end-of-life journey.

Ensuring adequate pain management: Oncology nurses can collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary team to develop comprehensive pain management plans based on evidence-based practices. By conducting routine pain assessments and involving patients in their pain management decisions, nurses can strike a balance between patient autonomy and effective pain relief.

Conclusion

Oncology nursing presents numerous ethical and legal challenges, as demonstrated by Park’s study (2009). The identified ethical issues include respect for patient autonomy, end-of-life decision-making, and ensuring adequate pain management. Legal considerations encompass maintaining patient confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and accurate documentation. To address these challenges, oncology nurses should employ strategies such as effective communication, advance care planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By drawing attention to these critical areas, this analysis emphasizes the need for further research and education to enhance ethical and legal competence among oncology nurses.