Ethical nursing practice is the provision of nursing care that is based on ethical principles and values. These principles include respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and veracity. Nurses who practice ethically are committed to providing care that is in the best interests of their patients, even when this may be difficult or challenging.

The basis for my definition of ethical nursing practice is the Code of Ethics for Nurses, which is published by the American Nurses Association (ANA). The Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles that guide nursing practice, and it provides guidance on how nurses can resolve ethical dilemmas.

The difference between legal and ethical nursing practice is that legal practice is based on laws and regulations, while ethical practice is based on principles and values. Legal practice is important because it ensures that nurses are providing care that is safe and within the scope of their practice. However, ethical practice is also important because it ensures that nurses are providing care that is in the best interests of their patients.

One ethical or bioethical dilemma that a nurse may encounter is the right to die. This is a complex issue with no easy answers. On the one hand, nurses have a duty to provide care that preserves life. On the other hand, nurses also have a duty to respect patient autonomy, which includes the right to refuse treatment.

If a nurse is faced with a patient who is requesting to die, they must carefully consider the patient’s wishes, the patient’s prognosis, and the legal and ethical implications of the situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this dilemma, and the best course of action will vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Here are some steps that a nurse can take to handle an ethical or bioethical dilemma:

1. Assess the situation. The first step is to carefully assess the situation and gather all of the relevant information. This includes the patient’s wishes, the patient’s prognosis, and the legal and ethical implications of the situation.
2. Consult with colleagues. It is important to consult with colleagues who have experience in dealing with ethical dilemmas. This can help the nurse to get a different perspective on the situation and to develop a plan of action.
3. Seek legal advice. If the situation is complex or if there are legal implications, it is important to seek legal advice. This can help the nurse to understand their legal obligations and to develop a plan of action that is legally sound.
4. Make a decision. Once the nurse has gathered all of the relevant information and consulted with colleagues and legal counsel, they must make a decision. This decision should be based on the best interests of the patient and on the ethical principles that guide nursing practice.

Ethical nursing practice is an important part of the nursing profession. Nurses who practice ethically are committed to providing care that is in the best interests of their patients, even when this may be difficult or challenging. By following the steps outlined above, nurses can help to ensure that they are making ethical decisions that are in the best interests of their patients.

Additional Information

There are a number of resources that nurses can use to learn more about ethical nursing practice. These resources include:

• The Code of Ethics for Nurses, which is published by the American Nurses Association
• The ANA’s Guide to Ethical Decision Making
• The International Council of Nurses’ Code of Ethics for Nurses
• The Ethics Resource Center

Nurses can also find support and guidance from professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association and the International Council of Nurses. These organizations offer resources, training, and support to help nurses navigate ethical dilemmas.