Process of confronting ethical dilemmas
My process of addressing an ethical dilemma begins with analyzing an issue to make a decision. The analysis involves gathering facts, critical thinking, identifying the parties, and evaluating the outcome of a decision. I believe in the incorporation of the utilitarian approach to aim for the maximization of expected utility for all the stakeholders. The approach ensures that there is a moral duty to evaluate the output of our behaviors (Santosuosso, 2016). Additionally, analysis helps to question a decision by evaluating the pros and cons. If the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, I embark on changing a decision that produces more good than harm.
Secondly, I consider the impact of an act on personal and professional integrity. Sound ethical principles are guarded by the ability to work within the confines of personal integrity and code of ethics. After analyzing an issue and possible actions, I evaluate whether the expected are in line with the ethical code of my organization. Integrity in nursing involves consideration of an act on human dignity, consent, and wellbeing without risking a patient's confidentiality (Epstein & Turner, 2015). Integrity minimizes the chances of role conflict that might arise.
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Do you confront, stay silent, or retreat?
I address ethical dilemmas through confrontation. As a medical practitioner, ethical dilemmas can occur in different situations involving a patient or a colleague. For instance, when treating patients, some of the information can be emotionally devastating which can influence the decision to withhold facts to protect the emotional wellness of the patient. Nonetheless, I always focus on the facts regardless of the patient expectation or personal gratification. I believe that confronting an issue offers the opportunity for integrity to thrive. When we ignore a dilemma at hand, it becomes difficult to promote values that are central to the success of an organization and personal satisfaction that I have done what is right.
Confronting a dilemma helps to decide without postponing adverse outcomes. While evading an issue might seem ideal, in the long run, it is always consequential. By confronting the issue at the moment, I can begin to live with the possible outcomes of my decision. For instance, during Covid-19, I had to make decisions on the patients that can access care and those who cannot be based on the number of ICU beds available. In making such decisions there was a risk of mortality for patients who could not be admitted. Nonetheless, confrontation ensures that there is a reasoned strategy and reduction of time wastage to make life and death decisions (Robert et al., 2020). Determining the course of action guarantees that we take central responsibility for what has happened without justifying our behavior.
What do you do if the issue is not resolved?
I consider alternatives that help to ensure that I arrive at the best solution. Every dilemma provides individuals with the opportunity to determine the ideal course of action. For example, even if I have to turn away patients due to resource strain, incorporating video conferencing offers virtual services that ensure patients can access vital information. Evaluating the alternatives promotes the ability to view the dilemma from different perspectives to illuminate the problem. It is the stage of open mindfulness to acknowledge that the first decision might have some loopholes that can be explored. Based on numerous alternatives, I decide which one works best for the situation.
How do your values come into play?
Trust ensures that I do not focus on personal gain in decision-making. The value guarantees that I can be transparent with the stakeholders to avoid further conflict. It is my guide to understanding the rationale of being open about the risks, benefits, and effectiveness of an outcome. Additionally, I can come to terms with the choice and its consequences. In medicine, patients expect that every aspect will be communicated so that the patient-to-nurse relationship thrives. It ensures that I can have peace of mind because all facts are presented after careful evaluation. Through honesty, I can protect other people other than exploiting their vulnerability.
I rely on compassion to understand how my decision will impact the quality of life for others. The value is a virtue that is part of moral care. It is my guide to the realization that every decision is for the responsive care of the patients. For instance, if I have to inform a client to seek palliative care other than to remain in the hospital, the advice seeks to ensure the patient can live a better life without enduring too much pain that will ultimately result in death. The value ensures I can listen, deal with a problem, and at the same time, remain objective to needs. The value aims to focus efforts on the wellbeing and best outcomes for the patient.
Commitment plays a significant role in solving dilemmas and to live by decisions made. The value ensures that there is a sense of motivation to find solutions. It is a strength to stay true to the root course of a dilemma without giving up. It requires courage to identify and overcome my worst fear that is not within my comfort zone. Although some choices are painful, I always understand that I am privileged to be able to help people in one way or the other. While it can be easy to focus energy on negative aspects of a dilemma, I embrace the challenges that include having difficult conversations with patients. The value helps in the personal development of character to move forward amid difficulties. In the face of adversities, I can learn from mistakes and deal with another dilemma in a better way.
References
Epstein, B., & Turner, M. (2015). The nursing code of ethics: Its value, Its history. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing . (20)2,
Robert, R. et al. (2020). Ethical dilemmas due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ann. Intensive Care (10), 84. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13613-020-00702-7
Santosuosso, P (2016). A Ten-Step Model for Solving Ethical Dilemmas. International Journal of Business and Management . 11. 30. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v11n12p30.
