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Ethical Decision-Making Framework: Nurses, Law And Health Care

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Ethical Decision-Making Framework: Nurses, Law And Health Care
Ethics, Law and Health Care : LWS 101
Problem Solving Assignment
Ethical Decision-Making Framework

1. IDENTIFY

Issues:
1. Martina’s irrational behaviour is compromising patient safety and could lead to legal consequences of negligence and disciplinary action.
2. Omar must decide how to assist Martina and whether to report her actions to authorities and the legal implications of this.

Individuals Involved:
Martina – R.N.
Omar – R.N.
Patients of Martina and Omar
Nurse Unit Manager

2. EVALUATE
Ethics

Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia (2008)
VS 1.1 Nurses value quality nursing care, are accountable for the decisions they make and accept their moral and legal responsibilities in providing safe and competent nursing care.
Martina should recognise that she
…show more content…
As her performance has dropped below expectations, she should be aware of possible legal consequences.

CS 3.2 Nurses witnessing the unlawful conduct of colleagues …. have both a responsibility and an obligation to report such conduct to an appropriate authority.
CS3.3 Nurses are entitled and obliged to take the matter to an appropriate external authority.
Omar must be aware of relevant laws relating to mandatory/voluntary reporting of such behaviour and incidents and possible negligence charges. Should no action be taken after Omar submits a report, he should take external action.

CS5.3 Nurses use their professional judgment regarding the necessity to disclose details. They recognise that they may be required by law to disclose information.
Omar should recognise that he may be required to disclose Martina’s confidential information, even against her wishes.

CS9.2 The unlawful and unethical actions of nurses in their personal lives risk adversely affecting their own and the professions good reputation.
Martina risks putting her profession in

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