Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Leadership- A Comprehensive Approach
Ethical dilemmas in nursing leadership are multifaceted, arising from the complex environments in which nurse leaders operate. As outlined by Edmonson (2010), the sources of ethical dilemmas for nurse leaders include interpersonal conflicts, organizational constraints, and the clash between individual values and institutional priorities. Interpersonal conflicts, described as the initial dimension of moral distress, involve situations where nurse leaders face value conflicts, leading to frustration, anxiety, and an inability to act due to organizational constraints. On the other hand, the reactive dimension emerges when nurse leaders fail to address the initial distress, resulting in moral residue—a development of regret, anger, and frustration over time. The authority gradient, a command hierarchy of power, and clinician-organization conflict further contribute to ethical dilemmas by repressing personal values and demanding a delicate balance between competing interests.
To handle these ethical issues, nurse leaders should adopt a multifaceted approach (Edmonson, 2010). Firstly, they must develop the ability to “speak up” and demonstrate moral courage. This involves verbalizing actions to alleviate moral distress and finding one’s “voice of agency” to act with conviction. Nurse leaders must affirm their responsibility to address the source of moral distress, engage in open discussions, and seek peer or mentor support. Additionally, nurse leaders should assess the situation, understand the risks and benefits of acting, and then take decisive actions to resolve the ethical dilemma.
The AACN recommends the 4As Framework as a systematic approach for nurse leaders to address and mitigate moral distress. This framework involves a series of steps to guide nurse leaders in navigating ethical challenges. Initially, nurse leaders are encouraged to engage in self-assessment by internally evaluating manifestations of stress and recognizing moral distress through introspection, reflection, and an awareness of various domains, such as physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual aspects. Following this, after identifying distress, nurse leaders ought to affirm their responsibility to tackle the source of moral distress, validating their feelings and situations. Social networking and conversations with coworkers are two ways to help get affirmation. Subsequently, nurse leaders should seek, identify, and define the source of distress, comprehend the advantages and hazards, and be willing to take action using higher reasoning and critical evaluation abilities. Finally, the most challenging step involves acting with moral courage. Nurse leaders must create opportunities and environments with a high probability of success, control the fear associated with the act, resist impulses preventing action, and frame the act as one driven by intense caring.
To increase moral courage in nurse leaders, several recommendations are proposed. Nurse leaders should actively engage in education and training to strengthen their determination to keep going in the face of adversity. Developing professional moral courage as a managerial competency, it is imperative for nurse leaders to prioritize morality and ethics over rules and policies. They should exhibit resilience, tenacity, and self-direction. Furthermore, nurse leaders should focus not only on individual characteristics but also on the organizational and environmental factors that impact their ability to act in a morally courageous manner. This includes creating healthful work environments, developing ethical frameworks, and providing leadership in establishing an ethical culture within healthcare organizations.
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas in nursing leadership necessitate a comprehensive approach. Nurse leaders must navigate through interpersonal conflicts, organizational constraints, and conflicting values, employing strategies like the 4As Framework to prevent and alleviate moral distress. By enhancing moral courage through education, training, and a focus on individual and organizational factors, nurse leaders can create healthier work environments and ensure ethical care and compassion in the healthcare system.
References
Edmonson, C. (2010). Moral courage and the nurse leader. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3912/
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
In this article review, you will explore ethical issues and discuss their implications.
Step 1 Read the article, Moral Courage and the Nurse Leader Download Moral Courage and the Nurse Leader by Cole Edmonson.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Leadership- A Comprehensive Approach
Step 2 Based on the article, answer the following questions in a two-page (500-word) paper:
What are the sources of ethical dilemmas for nurse leaders?
How should nurse leaders handle those issues?
Explain the 4As Framework recommended by the Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
What are the recommendations that can increase moral courage in nurse leaders?
Step 3 Save and submit your assignment.
When you have completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself in an easily accessible place and submit a copy to your instructor.