NUR/391 Version 8 / 1
Read Me First
Week Three
Introduction
Nurses face ethical dilemmas every day in their practice. Conflicting loyalties and obligations to patients, and their families, physicians, peers, and other health care staff can affect how they approach ethical issues in their work setting. When faced with an ethical dilemma, nurses need to have decision-making skills and awareness of ethical principles that will allow them to assist those involved to come to a rational resolution (Blais, Hayes, Kozier, & Erb, 2011). Exposure to the American Nurses Association Code of Nursing Ethics provides a foundation for ethical nursing practice and provides nurses with tools with which they can assist others.
According to Blais et al. (2006), “accountability is an essential concept of professional nursing practice under the law” (p. 93). Nursing Practice Acts regulate nursing practice and clearly define how the nurses must function in their roles. When nurses violate the regulations, they may be responsible for negligent acts or malpractice. In essence, malpractice is established when the nurse owed the patient a duty to the client, the nurse failed to carry out the duty, the patient was injured, and the patient’s injury was caused by the nurse’s failure to carry out the duty (Blais et al., 2011). By knowing and understanding the laws under which they are held accountable, nurses can provide safe, competent care to patients, their families, and the community in which they live.
This week in relation to the course and the program
This week presents two course-related concepts: common ethical issues faced by professional nurses and regulation of nursing practice as defined in the Nursing Practice Act. Nurses’ values and morals reflect daily in their practice. Valuing other cultures, contributions by patients of all ages, and choices patients make are part of the foundation on which professional nursing practice is built. To honor others and one’s self is to honor the profession.
The legal and ethical concepts identified in this week’s readings are introductory; you will revisit them in more depth in later courses. As you continue in the program, keep in mind what you have learned, and apply these concepts in the content of each course. They are threads throughout the curriculum and are meaningful in every day nursing practice.
Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials
As you read this week’s assignments, reflect on your own values and morals and how they influence your nursing practice. Consider what your thoughts might be when working with impaired a nurse who is impaired by alcohol or drugs or those nurses who lack integrity. Knowledge of ethical principles plays an important part in deciding how you might respond to unsafe or unethical situations involving others. Ask yourself how you would approach each situation or issue discussed in the chapters. When reading the assignments, always keep in mind you are accountable for your own actions.
Some questions to ask as you develop your critical thinking
Questions to ask yourself this week include the following:
· What are my responsibilities as a patient advocate?
· What are my legal and ethical responsibilities when a nurse is working on the unit and is obviously impaired by alcohol or drugs?
· How might the American Nurses Association Code of Nursing Ethics assist me in determining my response?
· How does the Nursing Practice Act in my state regulate my practice?
· How would I respond if I saw an act of malpractice involving another nurse or a physician? How should I respond?
Summary
As delivering health care has become more complex, nurses face more complicated ethical or legal situations in their practice. Being aware of how the Nursing Practice Act regulates nursing practice and how the American Nurses Association Code of Nursing Ethics offers guidelines for ethical decision-making will provide the nurse with tools for professional practice.
References
Blais, K.K., Hayes, J. S., Kozier, B. & Erb, G. (2011). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Chitty, K. (2010). Professional nursing: Concepts & challenges. (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.