Nursing Ethics


Writer’s Choice: Ethical Nursing
Name of Student
University

Writer’s Choice: Ethical Nursing
Every individual is guided through ethical decisions based on certain values and perspectives. The ethical Lens Inventory is an ideal personal evaluation tool that may be used by nursing personnel and others to interpret the values that influence their actions. By understanding such values for oneself and the client; situations of conflict can be avoided while better ethical decisions may be implemented (Gastmans, 2013). My personal core value in the “Ethical lens Inventory” matrix is the “relationship Lens”. I have always believed that relationship and person-centric approach are the most important skills in nursing practice. I always prioritize equality in preference to autonomy and rationality in preference to sensibility while ensuring care through the “Ethical lens Inventory” matrix.

I came across a situation of providing care to Jim, who was a plane crash survivor. His age was 65 years and apart from his physical debility, he was in a state of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. My group organized a caring approach guided by the Registered Nurse (RN) for implementing the treatment prescribed by the consultant physician. The ethics through which we practice in rendering care involve the typical result lens in the “Ethical lens Inventory” matrix. We prioritize autonomy over equality and sensibility over rationality in rendering care.

However, I noticed that Jim was reluctant to take the medications or food, during his stay in our trauma unit. This was problematic since most of the pain medications had to be administered post- cum. Swaying away from my group ethics I followed my preferred “lens”. Through such person-centric approach, I came to know that Jim was bereaved, due to death of his wife in that plane crash. I stood beside Jim and with special permission from my RN; I performed all the duties including medication administration and feeding Jim. We developed a sense of trust and Jim complied with the treatment plan much better.

My RN and peers were considerate about my actions, and they were flexible to change, as because my approach yielded the desired outcomes. A group may be guided through various ethics, however for organizational success a common stand on ethics helps to maximize outcomes. The ethical theories that I was guided through were consideration of equality and sensibility in my care approaches.

Reference
Gastmans, C. (2013). “Dignity-enhancing nursing care: A foundational ethical framework”. 
Nursing Ethics, 20 (2): 142–149