Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing- A Personal Account
The Ethical Dilemma Encountered
In a metropolitan hospital’s busy Emergency Department (ED), I encountered a profound ethical dilemma that left a lasting impact on my nursing practice. One evening, a 17-year-old pregnant girl, Sarah, was brought in by her parents following a car accident. Sarah’s condition was stable, but she sustained minor injuries. However, the fetus she carried was in critical condition, and immediate intervention was necessary to save its life. Sarah’s parents, devout members of a religious community that prohibits any form of medical intervention during pregnancy, adamantly refused any medical treatment for the fetus, citing religious beliefs. On the other hand, Sarah, though influenced by her parents’ beliefs, expressed a desire to do whatever was necessary to save her unborn child.
This situation ignited a whirlwind of emotions and moral distress within me. On one hand, I empathized with Sarah’s parents, understanding the deeply rooted religious beliefs that governed their decision-making. However, I could not shake the overwhelming urge to advocate for the fetus’s well-being, driven by the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence ingrained in nursing ethics. Witnessing Sarah’s distress and her plea for help added another layer of complexity to the dilemma, intensifying my moral distress.
The conflicting values and beliefs at play were palpable. Sarah’s parents prioritized adherence to their religious doctrine, valuing the sanctity of life and viewing medical intervention as interference with divine will. In contrast, Sarah, torn between her familial loyalty and maternal instincts, valued the life and well-being of her unborn child above all else. Additionally, the organizational culture of the hospital, rooted in evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, clashed with the religious beliefs of Sarah’s parents, further complicating the situation.
Assessment data revealed the critical condition of the fetus, necessitating immediate medical intervention to prevent irreversible harm. However, obtaining additional information regarding the fetus’s prognosis and the potential risks and benefits of intervention could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Consultation with obstetricians, ethicists, and religious counselors could have offered valuable insights into navigating the ethical complexities while respecting the beliefs of all parties involved (Haahr et al., 2020).
Despite the challenging circumstances, the hospital offered various resources to address the ethical dilemma. Ethical committees comprised of multidisciplinary teams could facilitate collaborative decision-making and offer guidance in navigating morally complex situations. Additionally, religious liaisons could provide cultural competence training to healthcare providers, fostering understanding and respectful communication with patients from diverse religious backgrounds.
In essence, reflecting on this experience reinforced the importance of effective communication, empathy, and cultural competence in nursing practice. While advocating for the best interest of patients is paramount, respecting their autonomy and cultural beliefs is equally crucial. Recognizing and managing moral distress is essential for maintaining the well-being of healthcare providers and upholding ethical standards in patient care (Haahr et al., 2020).
Overall, the ethical dilemma encountered in the ED highlighted the intricate interplay of values and beliefs at the individual, organizational, and societal levels. Navigating such a dilemma requires a deep understanding of cultural diversity, effective communication strategies, and access to resources that promote ethical decision-making. By embracing these principles, nurses can navigate ethical dilemmas with compassion, integrity, and professionalism, ultimately ensuring the delivery of patient-centered care.
Culturally Competent Ethical Decision for the Ethical Dilemma
In the scenario above involving Sarah, a pregnant teenager, navigating the ethical dilemma necessitates a holistic approach integrating cultural competence, compassion, social justice, human rights, partnership, collaboration, and advocacy.
Cultural context and competence demand an understanding and respect for Sarah’s religious beliefs and cultural background. Healthcare providers must engage in culturally sensitive communication, acknowledging the influence of these beliefs on Sarah’s decision-making process (Stubbe, 2020). Providers can build trust and rapport with Sarah and her family by fostering cultural competence.
Compassion plays a pivotal role in addressing the emotional distress experienced by Sarah, her parents, and healthcare providers. Through empathy and support, providers can create a safe space for open dialogue and shared decision-making, ensuring that Sarah’s voice is heard and her concerns validated.
Social justice and human rights require equitable access to healthcare services for Sarah and her unborn child, irrespective of religious beliefs. Providers must advocate for the rights and well-being of both individuals, ensuring that they receive timely interventions to preserve their health and autonomy (Stubbe, 2020). Upholding principles of social justice entails addressing disparities and advocating for fair treatment for all patients.
Partnership, collaboration, and advocacy are essential for navigating complex ethical dilemmas. A collaborative approach can be fostered by involving Sarah, her parents, healthcare providers, religious counselors, and ethicists in the decision-making process. Through partnership, providers can leverage diverse perspectives to explore solutions that respect Sarah’s autonomy while ensuring the best possible outcome for her and her unborn child (Stubbe, 2020). Advocacy involves speaking up for Sarah’s rights and needs within the healthcare setting and the broader community.
References
Haahr, A., Norlyk, A., Martinsen, B., & Dreyer, P. (2020). Nurses experiences of ethical dilemmas: A review. Nursing ethics, 27(1), 258-272. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733019832941
Stubbe, D. E. (2020). Practicing cultural competence and cultural humility in the care of diverse patients. Focus, 18(1), 49-51. https://doi.org/10.1176/
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Question 
Summarize in 500 – 600 words a nursing experience when you faced an ethical dilemma and discuss any emotions or moral distress you experienced. Describe the setting and individuals involved as well as how the individuals or groups perceived the problem.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing- A Personal Account
Identify conflicting values and beliefs at the individual, organizational, and societal levels that influenced perceptions of the people involved in the experience. Provide assessment data or information about the situation that might have been helpful. Describe how additional information could be obtained and the resources available. Cite references if used. Do not submit as an attachment and do not exceed 600 words.