TOPIC: Physician Assisted-Suicide For this essay, you will identify an issue in your current major (Nursing) you are interested in pursuing, or your field of work. You will then establish an argument and support that argument with research and relevant evidence. Specifically, the following must be addressed: Your writing plan must be 1–2 pages in length. Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins.
Physician Assisted-Suicide (PAS) has been a topic of considerable debate in the field of nursing and healthcare. This practice involves a qualified healthcare professional providing assistance, such as prescribing lethal drugs, to a patient who is suffering from a terminal illness and has expressed a clear desire to end their life. The question of whether nurses should be involved in PAS is a complex one, as it raises ethical, legal, and professional considerations.
Firstly, it is essential to explore the ethical dimension of PAS. The ethical principles of autonomy and beneficence must be taken into account when considering this issue. Autonomy refers to an individual’s right to make informed decisions about their own body and life, including the choice to end it. Supporting autonomy means respecting an individual’s wishes and acknowledging their right to control the course of their life, even in the face of terminal illness and impending death. On the other hand, beneficence involves promoting the well-being and best interests of the patient. In some cases, providing assistance in ending suffering and preserving a patient’s dignity can be seen as a compassionate act aligned with the principle of being beneficent.
However, there are also ethical concerns that arise when considering PAS. The principles of non-maleficence and justice come into play. Non-maleficence requires healthcare professionals to “do no harm” to patients. The act of intentionally and directly causing the death of a patient through PAS can be seen as a violation of this principle. Additionally, justice requires that all individuals receive fair and equal treatment. The availability and access to PAS may create disparities in the healthcare system, whereby certain individuals may have easier access to this option compared to others. These ethical tensions need to be carefully weighed and considered when discussing the involvement of nurses in PAS.
Apart from ethical considerations, the legality of PAS varies across different jurisdictions. In some countries and states, legislation has been passed allowing for PAS under specific circumstances, while in others, it remains illegal. Nurses must work within the confines of the law, and involvement in PAS could potentially have legal repercussions. This legal ambiguity further complicates the question of whether nurses should be involved in PAS. Nurses need clear guidance and protection from legal consequences in order to make informed decisions regarding their involvement in PAS.
In addition to ethical and legal considerations, the question of whether nurses should participate in PAS also raises professional concerns. Nursing is a profession that is grounded in the principles of caring, empathy, and promoting quality of life. The involvement of nurses in actions that intentionally hasten death may be seen as conflicting with these core values. It is essential to critically examine the impact that participating in PAS may have on the professional identity and moral integrity of nurses. Taking on the role of assisting a patient in dying raises the question of whether it aligns with the fundamental purpose and values of nursing.
Furthermore, the involvement of nurses in PAS may have implications for the therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients. The trust and bond between healthcare professionals and patients are crucial in providing optimal care. Participating in PAS could potentially strain this relationship, as it introduces a highly sensitive and morally charged issue. Patients may question the motives of their nurses and feel uncertain about the intentions and values of the healthcare team. Maintaining the therapeutic relationship requires careful consideration of how involvement in PAS may impact the trust and rapport between nurses and patients.
Overall, the question of whether nurses should be involved in PAS is a complex one that demands a careful examination of ethical, legal, and professional considerations. Nurses must navigate the tensions between promoting autonomy and beneficence on one hand, and upholding non-maleficence and justice on the other. The legal implications of PAS and the impact on the professional identity and therapeutic relationship of nurses also need to be thoroughly considered. This issue calls for robust research, open dialogue, and thoughtful deliberation to ensure that nursing practice is guided by the highest ethical standards, while also respecting the rights and wishes of patients facing terminal illness and suffering.