Ethical Dilemmas For Clinical Placements - 2386 Words

Introduction Nurses are faced with ethical dilemmas or ethical distress every day, each situation being unique and requiring nurses to set aside their own values and beliefs in order to provide proper care for their patients (Ramos, Brehmer, Vargas, Trombetta, Silveira, Drago, 2015). Ethical dilemmas allow nurses to learn more about themselves and help shape their morals and values (Potter Perry, 2014). An ethical dilemma arises in a situation in which no solution seems completely satisfactory (Drumwright, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to give the reader a clear idea that how nursing students on clinical placements as part of their professional training are routinely faced with situations involving ethical conflicts. According†¦show more content†¦I explained with what techniques I overcame to the moral distress situation and left with moral residue. Lastly, I concluded that what I learned from this ethical issue and how I would be able to apply the knowledge gained from this situation during my future practice. Discussion At the clinical site, being a student nurse, I witnessed issues such as a lack of respect for a patient, including inappropriate ways of speaking and behaving to the patient by nurses, and inadequate explanations by nurses to the patient. The nurse in charge displayed an uncaring attitude toward an independent, but cognitively impaired wandering patient with the use of inappropriate speech to this elderly patient. There was no respect and dignity for the patient in the nurse in charge behavior and words. Furthermore, I felt that the nurse was not following the values and responsibilities stated by the code of ethics such as providing safe, compassionate, competent, and ethical care, and preserving dignity regardless of the patient’s condition (Potter Perry, 2014). As a result, the patient did not receive satisfactory and consistent care. Moreover, ethical responsibilities of nurses mentioned in the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA, 2008) is, â€Å"Nurses engage in compassionate care through their speech and body language and through their efforts to understand and care about others’ health care needs† (p.