Nursing Leaders As Ethical-Legal Change Agents In Health Care MN506. In the course, you will research ethical decision-making and legal issues that influence your role as a nursing leader. Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself, state your area of specialization, and explain how you see your role as a nursing leader making ethical-legal and moral decisions. Include what actions you plan to take to minimize or alleviate moral distress caused by ethical dilemmas and the values that support your actions.
Information about me: My name is fg, I am an ER nurse, I perform charge nurse duties most of the time.
Requirements for discussion: at least 3 references, APA style, one page and half or less is enough.
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My name is fg, and I am an Emergency Room (ER) nurse with a specialization in critical care. As an ER nurse, I frequently assume the responsibilities of a charge nurse, which involves overseeing the operations and patient care in the emergency department. In this role, I encounter various ethical and legal issues that require careful consideration and decision-making. This discussion will explore how I perceive my role as a nursing leader and the actions I intend to take to address ethical-legal challenges while minimizing moral distress.
Role as a Nursing Leader in Ethical-Legal Decision-Making:
As a nursing leader, I recognize my responsibility to advocate for ethical and legal principles while ensuring the provision of high-quality patient care. Ethical-legal decision-making involves considering the moral implications of actions, adhering to legal standards, and upholding the nursing code of ethics. I believe it is essential to approach these decisions in a collaborative and inclusive manner, involving all relevant stakeholders, such as patients, families, healthcare providers, and legal experts.
To make ethical-legal decisions, I will rely on evidence-based practice, professional standards, and ethical frameworks such as the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. By applying these principles, I can evaluate the potential consequences and ethical implications of different courses of action.
Actions to Minimize Moral Distress:
Ethical dilemmas in healthcare can lead to moral distress among healthcare professionals, including nurses. Moral distress arises when one recognizes the ethically appropriate course of action but is constrained from pursuing it due to various factors. To minimize or alleviate moral distress, I plan to take the following actions:
Enhancing Communication and Collaboration: Open and honest communication fosters a supportive environment where ethical concerns can be openly discussed. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and encouraging dialogue among healthcare team members, we can collectively address ethical dilemmas and find solutions that align with patient needs and ethical standards.
Education and Ethical Training: Regular educational programs and training sessions on ethical decision-making can empower nursing staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle ethical-legal challenges. By staying informed about current ethical and legal issues, we can make well-informed decisions and minimize moral distress.
Ethical Consultations and Committees: Establishing ethics committees or seeking ethical consultations can provide guidance and support when facing complex ethical dilemmas. These resources enable nurses and other healthcare professionals to engage in in-depth discussions, seek expert opinions, and navigate challenging ethical situations effectively.
Values Supporting Ethical-Legal Actions:
The actions I plan to take are rooted in several core values:
Respect for Autonomy: Respecting patients’ rights to make decisions about their care, ensuring their involvement in the decision-making process, and honoring their choices.
Integrity: Upholding professional and personal integrity by consistently adhering to ethical principles and legal standards, even in challenging situations.
Compassion and Advocacy: Demonstrating empathy, compassion, and advocacy for patients and their families, prioritizing their best interests and promoting their well-being.
Conclusion:
As an ER nurse and charge nurse, I recognize the importance of ethical-legal decision-making in my role as a nursing leader. By employing ethical frameworks, promoting open communication and collaboration, providing education and training, and utilizing ethical consultations and committees, I aim to minimize moral distress and ensure ethical care delivery. Upholding values such as autonomy, integrity, compassion, and advocacy serves as a foundation for my actions as a nursing leader, guiding me in making ethical-legal decisions that prioritize patient well-being and uphold professional standards.
