Obtaining Patient’s Informed Consent
Most nurses are faced with a dilemma in nursing practice on whether to seek clients consent before administering for some medicine or nursing procedures. It is important for nurses to uphold patient consent and seek for their opinion before applying certain healthcare procedures and medications. The patient should be made aware of the choices that are possible and given a chance to choose what is best for them. The nurses should only withhold the principle of the patient consent when the client is incapacitated. Many occasions' nurses are faced with this dilemma of seeking the customer consent and sometimes end up making the decision for the patient that is morally wrong and unacceptable (Armstrong, 2006).
SECTION I
Deontology ethical theory
A deontological theory holds that people should maintain their official obligations and duties in analyzing an ethical dilemma. Nurses can solve most of the ethical dilemmas in their practice by following the due procedures and duties towards the patients. A deontologist nurse will always meet their obligations to the patient as it is their job description. Deontological approach to ethical dilemmas is self-styled and initiated since there is no rule book on how to apply a deontological approach to an ethical dilemma (Mallari et al. 2016).
SECTION II
Rationale
It is our responsibility to stay focused on our duties and not to respond to issues in our careers using personal methods; it is important to think through every situation in the nursing practice and follow the existing procedures. Following protocols allows medical practitioners to solve most ethical dilemmas that might show up in our daily medical practice. Adhering to one's responsibilities also reduces negative outcomes and improves patient satisfaction especially in giving a patient a chance a chance to deliberate what they would want. Patients have the right to choose and medical procedures allow patients to be in control in the decision making of what should happen to them. Following a deontological approach reduces the cases of nurses being accused of wrong medical practices and being vindicated in the case of negative medical outcomes.
SECTION III
Process of resolving an ethical issue using a deontological approach
Most of the times nurses are faced with an ethical dilemma on whether to seek a patient consent in administering a procedure or medications it is important to use a theoretical approach to improve results and outcomes in such decision-making situations. Some procedures require quick decision making and might not have a chance to inquire on the client consent. The following process will help make a practical and informed decision when faced with an ethical dilemma.
Seek clarity of the situation.
It is important for a nurse to seek clarification by thinking the issue that causes an ethical dilemma. Nurses should seek clarification by referring to the acceptable medical practice as stipulated in the hospital nurse guide.
Seek other nurse’s contribution and perspective.
It is important to seek other nurse's contribution and point of view when faced with an ethical dilemma. A deontological approach makes it a priority when faced with an ethical dilemma to use duty specifications and obligations as the basis for making the decision. Other nurses contribution can help clarify responsibilities and duties of a nurse in such situation. Discussing an ethical dilemma can also improve identifying approaches and how to be inclusive in such situations to improve nursing outcomes.
Following instincts and leads
It is important to understand that everyone is always aware of what is expected of them, following instincts allows one to meet their duties demands. Instincts are created through routine activities if the nurse continuously meets their duty needs and procedures instincts will guide through such occasions when faced with an ethical dilemma (Mallari et al. 2016).
American nurses association code of ethics and not settling to other people wrong decisions.
As a nurse, there are codes of ethics that guide in making ethical decisions, as a nurse it is important to do what is in the best interest of the patient even when they are incapacitated and not in a position to make the decision. It is wrong to settle to wrong colleagues deliberations when you are sure they are a violation of your set duties.
Consulting the hospital ethics committee
Ethics committee is a body that determines ethical issues faced by nurses; it is important to acknowledge their role and responsibility as the oversight body on ethical issues facing nurses. Ethical committee will be in a position to give a good deliberation and expound on the nursing duties towards the patient. The patient should always be allowed right to informed consent on the choices they have; it is the nurse's duty and obligation to expound to the patient and provide them with the necessary information to make this decision that would have implications towards their health outcomes (Dinç, 2015).
SECTION IV
Conclusion
Using a deontological approach to making an ethical dilemma decision on whether to consider patient`s consent before administering a nursing procedure or changing a procedure or medication for the patient. The deontological approach ensures that the nurse should deliberate on their duties and it is every nurse duty to allow a patient to have a consent to their health and nursing care. Nursing practice based on the established expectations and duties should meet their duties and obligations towards their patients. This can help solve and avoid ethical dilemmas such as conflicting patient and nurse interests.
Reference list
Armstrong, A. E. (2006). Towards a strong virtue ethics for nursing practice. Nursing Philosophy, 7(3), 110-124.
Dinç, L. (2015). Implementation and Evaluation of a Nursing Ethics Course at Turkish Doctoral Nursing Programs. Journal of Academic Ethics, 13(4), 375-387.
Mallari, M. S. N., Grace, M., & Joseph, D. (2016). Ethical Frameworks for Decision-Making in Nursing Practice and Research: An Integrative Review.
