Karen Scroggins
NUR/391
November11, 2013
Joy Brock MSN, RN, FNP
Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing
Nurses today face many challenges related to ethical and legal issues. The American Nurses Association Code of Nursing Ethics is a guideline for nurses to use when facing these issues. Personal and societal values will also influence nurses faced with these issues. If nurses adhere to the Code of Ethics even though personal or societal values may be in conflict, they will not have to worry about legal issues pertaining to the care given.
Marianne
A final decision in Marianne’s case requires many considerations. Compassion, respect, and Marianne’s rights must be the focus. “The nurse …show more content…
175) is third provision of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. Personal or societal values influencing the husband, children or health team must be clarified so the family and team can be empathetic, aware, and insightful. (Chitty & Black, 2011, p. 51).
It is evident that Marianne’s husband values life because of the fact that he “wants to try everything” (Blais & Hayes, 2011, p. 175). The children; however, seem to value the quality of life. They do not want to risk surgery if it does not offer body and mind functionality. Marianne’s husband may be in denial about the condition of his wife as well as being in shock because of the suddenness of the accident. The conflicting opinions of Marianne’s family will need to be addressed and further explored with the ethics committee before a final decision can be made. It is the health team’s responsibility to understand the family’s values, opinions, and desires for Marianne when preparing for the meeting to discuss her future care. The team must also understand any values or opinions they may bring to the situation at hand. Unlike the …show more content…
In fact, Murphy states, “The only hard and fast rule is to tell the truth” (Murphy, 2005, p. 855). The nurse does need to provide any additional information beyond what is asked directly. This nurse did what was required by law and went further to ensure the codes of ethics were adhered to.
As discussed, nurses face many challenges related to ethical and legal issues. The American Nurses Association Code of Nursing Ethics is the best guideline for nurses to use when facing these issues. Personal and societal values will also influence nurses faced with these issues but if nurses adhere to the Code of Ethics even though personal or societal values may be in conflict, they will not have to worry about legal issues pertaining to the care