Ethics and its Implications in Nursing Practice

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Ethics is defined as “the systemic study of what a person’s conduct and actions should be with regard to self, other human beings, and the environment,” and is utilized to justify right and wrong (Marquis & Hutson, 2015, 71). It is based upon a set of personal morals and principles that directs a person’s actions (71). Ethical practice is an essential part of nursing. The American Nurses Association has even produced a Code of Ethics for nurses to abide by in order to ensure that safe and quality patient-centered is delivered.
During my time in clinicals at Forest General Hospital, I have worked with many UAPs and LPNs as well as RNs. I enjoy interacting with everyone, and they all teach me so much. I have become more attuned to situations …show more content…

The nurses and the UAP are verbally disrespecting their co-worker, who is down the hall caring for her patients while they are sitting at the desk. Witnessing this caused a value conflict within me. As someone who has been bullied and disrespected in the past, I wanted to come to the LPN’s defense, but at the same time, I did not want to risk getting in trouble with the nurses and have them report the situation to my clinical instructor. Provision 1 of the ANA Code of Ethics states that “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person” and subsection 1.5 pertains to the nurse’s relationships with colleagues and others (ANA, 2015). Nurses must be respectful towards everyone, colleagues and patients, and maintain a civil and professional working environment. The Code of Ethics for Nurses states that “disregard for the effects of one’s actions on others, bullying, harassment, intimidation, manipulation, threats, or violence are always morally unacceptable behaviors” (ANA, 2015). This situation has consequences for everyone involved. The nurses and the UAP are ultimately responsible in this situation. They know that they should treat their coworker with respect because it is ethical to do so, and they are being unwise by disrespecting the LPN with nursing students present. By witnessing the negative statements, I have the …show more content…

Tell the nurses and UAP to stop talking negatively about the LPN. This would call more attention to the situation and create more tension in the workplace environment if I were to defend the LPN. I would be honoring my values and morals, but the nurses and UAP would probably lash out, telling me how I am speaking out of turn and that I should know my place. My classmates and instructor would become involved, and I might be found at fault and reprimanded. My instructor could deduct points from my grade for the clinical day. The conflict would escalate and cause trouble for everyone while the problem goes

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