Introduction

As an advanced practice nurse (APN) leader practitioner I do face myriad of ethical and legal dilemmas regularly, which if not dealt with ethically and professionally can cause severe repercussions for nurses in the section and to patients too. Nursing leaders face a dilemma that requires confidence and adequate acquaintance with the stipulated ethical and legal guidelines. Without a leader nurse making quick decision results to delay in providing necessary urgent healthcare services to the patient.My role as a nurse leader in moral and legal decision making is challenging, however with clearly stipulated guidelines on how to handle such cases it helps me to spearhead decision making in my step down unit.

Again, ethical issues sometimes have no correct or wrong decisions but depend on the surrounding circumstance and the principles of ethical decision making. Notably, in any decision taken patient interests should come first. The step- down unit has many nurses who receive instructions from me on many occasions, and since the patients cannot make a decision on their own either family member or legal processes is consulted. Generally, it’s difficult to entirely prevent unethical practices in hospitals because a wide range of unique circumstances arises which requires different decisions.  There are many strategies nurses use to mitigate moral distress caused in ethical dilemma situations. Any decision made should consider patient rights to confidentiality, privacy, dignity, respect, autonomy, and access to information. Also, nurses should strictly follow the Nursing Profession Act and related policies, by-laws, principles, guidelines, statements, etc. As a nurse leader can also reduce moral distress by responding expeditiously to reports and claims of a situation such as incapacity, misconduct, and incompetence for both healthcare providers and clients.

References

Dauwerse L, Abma T, Melowijk J, &Widdershoven G, (2011): Needs for ethics support in healthcare. Views of Dutch board members and Ethics support staff. Journal of Medical Ethics 37(8)

Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J. Aries (2014): Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals. Jones & Bartlett Book.2nd Edition. 9781284053296

WestrickS.J(2013): Essentials Of Nursing Law And Ethics. Jones & Bartlett, 2nd Edition, 978-1-284-03020-4

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