As a nurse, ethics and ethical decision making is an essential part of your nursing skill set. What does ethical decision making mean to you?

1. Nursing ethical decision making is the act of identifying and evaluating the right course of action in accordance with moral principles and values. I believe that ethical decision-making is about using knowledge, skills and values when making decisions in my patients’ best interests while also respecting autonomy, dignity and their rights. This also includes being aware of your own limitations and biases, and being able critically evaluate and reflect upon decisions. Nursing is a profession that requires ethical decision-making to ensure safe, compassionate, and effective care for patients, as well as to maintain professionalism and integrity.
2. The patient’s needs are at the center of my personal nursing philosophy. Nursing is an holistic profession that promotes health and prevents illness. It also provides compassionate care for individuals, their families and communities. The principles that guide my philosophy are respect for the dignity and autonomy of people, as well as beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence. It is my belief that, as a nursing professional, I have a responsibility to collaborate and work together with other professionals, patients and families to ensure that evidence-based healthcare is provided that promotes patient well-being and is sensitive to cultural differences. My practice is based on honesty, integrity and transparency. I maintain an open line of communication with patients and my colleagues. To improve my skills and knowledge, I will continue to learn and develop professionally throughout my life. This commitment is essential to providing the best possible care for my patients.
3. Conflicts can occur in a variety of settings for nurses, such as the workplace or personal life. A conflict arose in my workplace when there was disagreement between the members of the healthcare team about the treatment plan for a certain patient. In order to resolve the conflict I applied effective communication techniques, including active listening, empathic understanding, and assertiveness to better understand my team member’s perspectives and express my concerns. To find a solution that was acceptable to both parties, we also sought the advice of the team leader and consulted hospital guidelines and policies. Conflict resolution takes patience, a willingness to collaborate with others, and respect. To maintain a supportive and positive work environment, and ensure our patients’ safety and wellbeing, it is important to resolve conflicts quickly and professionally.

American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Silver Spring MD: Author. Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2018). Nursing Ethics: Across Curriculum and into Practice (5th edition). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.