Ethics in Healthcare: Dilemmas, Impact of Morals and Values & Moral Distress | Lecturio Nursing

Summary

This video script explores the essential role of ethics, values, and morals in nursing care, highlighting the challenges nurses face in ethical decision-making. It covers key concepts such as the difference between values, morals, and ethics, and emphasizes the importance of commitment to patients, advocacy, and accountability. The script also addresses common ethical dilemmas in nursing, including end-of-life care, genetic screening, and access to healthcare. It underscores the significance of interprofessional collaboration and education in resolving moral distress and navigating complex ethical situations in nursing practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nurses must distinguish between values, morals, and ethics to guide their decision-making in practice.
• 😀 Values are personal principles that help determine what's right or wrong, while morals are beliefs formed from these values that guide behavior.
• 😀 Ethics refers to the moral principles that direct how we apply values in professional settings.
• 😀 Nurses often face ethical dilemmas, and understanding the framework of nursing ethics helps navigate these challenges.
• 😀 Commitment to the client is crucial, but nurses must balance their own personal beliefs with the needs of the patient.
• 😀 Advocacy for the health and wellness of clients is a core nursing responsibility, particularly in resolving ethical dilemmas.
• 😀 Nurses must stay accountable for their care, continue advancing their knowledge, and remain informed on current practices.
• 😀 The holistic approach in nursing recognizes the dignity and uniqueness of each patient, and collaboration with the healthcare team enhances ethical care.
• 😀 Ethical dilemmas arise when values conflict, and it's essential to separate facts, opinions, and values when making decisions.
• 😀 Common ethical dilemmas include issues related to quality of life, genetic screening, end-of-life care, and access to healthcare.
• 😀 Moral distress occurs when a nurse feels unable to act according to their values, and it can be mitigated through interdisciplinary education and collaborative discussions.

Q & A

What is the difference between values, morals, and ethics in nursing practice?

Values are personal principles that help us decide what's right or wrong. Morals are beliefs formed from core values, guiding the rules of behavior. Ethics are the moral principles that direct behavior and how morals are applied in practice.

How can a nurse handle conflicting personal values and the needs of the client?

A nurse must remain committed to the client and prioritize their needs over personal beliefs. Recognizing and separating personal values from the client's needs is essential for ethical care.

What role does advocacy play in nursing ethics?

Advocacy involves promoting and defending the client's health and wellness. Nurses may need to advocate for a patient, especially when family members or others disagree with the patient's wishes, such as in cases of cancer therapy or end-of-life decisions.

What is moral distress in nursing, and how can it be alleviated?

Moral distress occurs when a nurse feels unable to act according to their values, often due to external pressures. It can be alleviated through interdisciplinary ethics education, sharing professional perspectives, and engaging in constructive conversations with trusted peers.

Why is it important for nurses to advance their practice and knowledge base?

Advancing nursing practice ensures that nurses stay up-to-date with current care practices, ethical standards, and population-specific needs, which is critical for providing high-quality care.

How can ethical dilemmas be resolved in nursing practice?

To resolve ethical dilemmas, nurses should identify and separate facts, opinions, and values. Nurses must respect others' values while considering their own ethical principles to make informed decisions.

What are the key ethical dilemmas that nurses may encounter in practice?

Nurses may face ethical dilemmas related to quality of life (end-of-life care, DNR orders, etc.), genetic screening, care at the end of life, and access to healthcare, which may involve complex decisions about patient rights and interventions.

How does interprofessional collaboration help resolve ethical dilemmas?

Interprofessional collaboration allows nurses to build consensus with other healthcare professionals, bringing in diverse perspectives that help guide ethical decisions and ensure comprehensive patient care.

What are some examples of end-of-life care ethical dilemmas that nurses might face?

An example includes deciding whether to continue invasive interventions that may not sustain life, balancing the ethical considerations of prolonging life versus ensuring quality of life for the patient.

What is the importance of respecting the value of others in nursing ethics?

Respecting the values of others is critical in nursing ethics, as nurses must navigate situations where their own values conflict with those of patients, families, or colleagues. This respect ensures that patient-centered care remains the focus.