Nursing Autonomy Case Study Essay

In order for a nurse practitioner to work efficiently, they must exercise their autonomy; however, the nurse autonomy can be affected by many aspects. Having a patient who is dying with a terminal cancer is not something easy for any nurse who work in an oncology floor. These patients are in a lot of pain, suffering, uncomfortable, and inconsolable. Despite all of these issues, these patients are entitled to tell them the truth. There was a patient who had a terminal cancer, and he was about to die. He was diagnosed with a leukemia sin he was 17 years old closed to 18. Despite vigorous treatment like chemotherapy and radiation, his cancer gotten worst. By the age 19 years old, the patient’s cancer become terminal, and he was in a state of dying.

1020). According to his mother we were not allowed to tell him, and he can feel it in our face. In this case, the nurse autonomy was affected because we should tell the patient about his condition. Then we had a barrier not only supported by the charge nurse and even the patient’s primary care was supported that decision. “Understanding nurses in the process of exercising their autonomy in EOL situations means generating knowledge about a new phase of activity for ICU nurses relating to evidence that can clarify and strengthen the decision process” (Paganini, & Bousso, 2015, P. 22). From the unit 1, we have learned the five ethical principles that can be applied to ethical decision-making which are autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity. Although these ethical principles decision-making are established, but sometimes it can be very challenged. “The principle of autonomy, supported by the other ethical principles, is a predominant focus in Western healthcare with a key role of healthcare understood as supporting patient autonomy, hence the centrality of patient