Assignment Question
Select two of the discussion topics and complete a discussion as it applies to nursing, and don’t forget to include references and intext citations.
Assignment Answer
Introduction
Nursing is a dynamic and noble profession that often presents nurses with complex ethical dilemmas and the need for evidence-based practice (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). In this comprehensive discussion, we will delve deep into two critical topics in nursing: Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Care and Evidence-Based Practice (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). We will explore these topics in detail, providing an in-depth understanding of the ethical challenges nurses face in their daily practice and the significance of integrating evidence-based methods to provide the best possible care. Both of these aspects are vital for delivering high-quality healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Care
Ethical dilemmas are a common occurrence in the field of nursing. Nurses are often faced with decisions that involve competing values, beliefs, and principles, making their role multifaceted and sometimes challenging (American Nurses Association, 2015). One prominent ethical dilemma that nurses encounter is the tension between patient autonomy and beneficence (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Respecting a patient’s autonomy means acknowledging their right to make decisions about their own care, even if those decisions are contrary to what the nurse believes is best for the patient. On the other hand, the principle of beneficence emphasizes the obligation to do what is in the best interest of the patient (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Striking the right balance between these two principles is an intricate task that nurses must navigate daily.
Another significant ethical issue in nursing revolves around the allocation of limited resources (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). In a world of finite healthcare resources, nurses must make difficult decisions about resource allocation, especially in situations where demand exceeds supply. These decisions can have profound ethical implications, as they may involve determining who receives care and who does not. Balancing the ethical principles of justice and utility in such situations is a formidable task that requires careful consideration and ethical discernment.
Moreover, informed consent is another area fraught with ethical concerns (Zomorodi & Foley, 2009). Nurses are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that patients fully understand the risks and benefits of their treatment. However, they may also be the bearers of bad news, which can be emotionally challenging for both the patient and the nurse. Handling such situations with empathy, honesty, and sensitivity to the patient’s emotional state is a critical ethical responsibility for nurses.
Ethical dilemmas often require nurses to consult relevant codes of ethics, institutional policies, and seek guidance from ethical committees or professionals to make well-informed decisions that align with the best interests of their patients (Geller et al., 1993). These resources provide a framework for nurses to navigate complex ethical situations and ensure that their decisions are ethically sound and patient-centered.
Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the integration of clinical expertise, patient values and preferences, and the best available evidence in the decision-making process for patient care (Sackett et al., 1996). It is a systematic approach that empowers nurses to provide care that is not only based on tradition or personal experience but also on the latest research findings.
One essential aspect of EBP is the use of current, reliable, and relevant research as a foundation for clinical decisions (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Nurses must access and critically appraise peer-reviewed journals and studies to stay up-to-date with the latest evidence (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). By using the most current and relevant information, nurses can improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of care.
Moreover, EBP emphasizes the need to consider patient preferences and values in the decision-making process. It recognizes that patients are unique individuals with distinct needs and that their input is invaluable. Nurses should engage in shared decision-making with patients, involving them in their care plans and considering their values and preferences (McCormack, Manley, & Walsh, 2016). This collaborative approach ensures that care is not only evidence-based but also tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each patient.
The incorporation of EBP into nursing practice also promotes critical thinking and lifelong learning (Polit & Beck, 2017). It encourages nurses to question existing practices, seek out the latest evidence, and continuously improve their skills and knowledge. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, EBP equips nurses with the tools to adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes and provide the best possible care to their patients.
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas and evidence-based practice are two critical aspects of nursing that significantly impact patient care (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Ethical dilemmas require nurses to navigate complex situations while upholding the principles of patient autonomy, beneficence, and justice (American Nurses Association, 2015). On the other hand, evidence-based practice equips nurses with the tools to provide care that is both up-to-date and patient-centered (Sackett et al., 1996). By embracing these two concepts, nurses can enhance the quality of care they deliver and ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. American Nurses Association.
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
Epstein, E. G., & Delgado, S. (2010). Understanding and addressing moral distress. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15(3).
Geller, G., Tambor, E. S., Chase, G. A., Holtzman, N. A. (1993). Measuring physicians’ tolerance for ambiguity and its relationship to their reported practices regarding genetic testing. Medical Care, 31(11), 989-1001.
Gallagher, A., & Sun, V. (2019). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Clinical Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Scale. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(6), 1286-1298.
McCormack, B., Manley, K., & Walsh, K. (2016). Person-Centred Practice in Nursing and Health Care: Theory and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Sackett, D. L., Rosenberg, W. M., Gray, J. A., Haynes, R. B., & Richardson, W. S. (1996). Evidence-based medicine: what it is and what it isn’t. BMJ, 312(7023), 71-72.
Zomorodi, M., & Foley, B. J. (2009). The nature of advocacy vs. paternalism in nursing: clarifying the ‘thin line.’ Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(8), 1746-1752.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common ethical dilemmas nurses face in patient care?
Ethical dilemmas in nursing often involve issues like patient autonomy, beneficence, and resource allocation. Nurses may grapple with decisions regarding informed consent, end-of-life care, and patient confidentiality.
How can nurses balance patient autonomy and beneficence in ethical decision-making?
Balancing patient autonomy and beneficence requires careful consideration of each patient’s unique situation. Nurses can achieve this balance by fostering open communication with patients, involving them in care decisions, and seeking guidance from ethical committees or professionals when necessary.
Why is evidence-based practice crucial for nurses?
Evidence-based practice is vital for nurses because it ensures that patient care is based on the latest research findings, improving patient outcomes. It also promotes lifelong learning and critical thinking, allowing nurses to adapt to evolving healthcare practices and deliver the best possible care.
How can nurses incorporate patient preferences into evidence-based practice?
Nurses can incorporate patient preferences into evidence-based practice by engaging in shared decision-making with patients. This collaborative approach involves patients in their care plans and considers their values and preferences, ensuring that care is tailored to individual needs.
What resources are available to help nurses navigate ethical dilemmas in patient care?
Nurses can consult relevant codes of ethics, institutional policies, and seek guidance from ethical committees or professionals to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively. These resources provide a framework for making ethically sound and patient-centered decisions.
