There are many ethical dilemmas that nurses are faced with regardless of where they work or practice. Unresolved ethical dilemmas can lead to moral distress, compassion fatigue, burnout, and other forms of psychological distress. View (5:30 minutes) below to hear nurses from various practice areas describe ethical dilemmas that are meaningful to them: https://youtu.be/pOakDs41IsI Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. (2014, August 21). What Keeps Nurses Up At Night? (5:30 minutes). In your initial discussion post, please address the following questions, based on your readings and research:
What are some common ethical dilemmas faced by nurses?
Ethical dilemmas are a common aspect of nursing practice, as nurses are often confronted with situations where they must make difficult decisions that involve moral considerations. These dilemmas can arise in various healthcare settings and can have profound effects on nurses’ well-being and professional satisfaction. Some of the common ethical dilemmas faced by nurses include issues related to patient autonomy, confidentiality, end-of-life care, resource allocation, and professional boundaries.
One ethical dilemma frequently encountered by nurses is the challenge of respecting patient autonomy while also ensuring their safety and well-being. For example, nurses may find themselves in situations where a patient refuses a treatment or medication that is deemed necessary for their health. In such cases, nurses must navigate the delicate balance between respecting the patient’s right to make decisions about their own healthcare while also advocating for their best interests.
Confidentiality is another area where nurses often face ethical dilemmas. Maintaining patient confidentiality is a fundamental ethical obligation for healthcare professionals, but there are instances where it may conflict with other responsibilities. For instance, nurses may be faced with situations where they become aware of information that could be potentially harmful to others, such as a patient’s plan to harm someone else. In such cases, nurses must carefully weigh the obligation to maintain confidentiality against the duty to protect the safety of others.
End-of-life care is a particularly complex area where nurses often encounter ethical dilemmas. Balancing the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence can be challenging when working with patients who have terminal illnesses or who are near the end of their lives. Nurses may be faced with decisions regarding the appropriate level of pain management, discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments, and engaging in discussions about advance directives and end-of-life wishes. These dilemmas require nurses to facilitate open and honest communication while also respecting the values and beliefs of both the patient and their family.
Resource allocation is another ethical dilemma commonly faced by nurses, particularly in settings with limited resources. Nurses may be confronted with difficult choices about the fair distribution of resources, such as medications, equipment, and staff, among multiple patients with competing needs. These decisions can sometimes conflict with the nurses’ desire to provide optimal care to all patients and may raise questions about distributive justice and the allocation of scarce resources.
Lastly, maintaining professional boundaries can pose ethical dilemmas for nurses. Nurses often develop close relationships with their patients, and maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential to uphold professional integrity and avoid conflicts of interest. However, nurses may find themselves in situations where their personal feelings or relationships with patients may cloud their judgment or compromise their objectivity. Balancing empathy and emotional connection with maintaining professional distance can be challenging and requires conscious ethical reflection.
In conclusion, nurses face numerous ethical dilemmas in their practice, which can significantly impact their well-being and professional satisfaction. Common dilemmas include issues related to patient autonomy, confidentiality, end-of-life care, resource allocation, and professional boundaries. Effectively navigating these dilemmas requires a strong ethical foundation, critical thinking skills, and ongoing education and support. Addressing these ethical challenges is integral to maintaining the integrity and professionalism of nursing practice and ensuring the provision of ethical, patient-centered care.