Ethics, believe it or not can be learned. Ethics describes behavior based on ideas what’s morally good and bad (have to quote this from Webster’s dictionary website) If you are working as a nurse and are faced with an ethical dilemma there are steps you can take in the decision-making process. If you are unaware how to come up with the right or wrong answer of an ethical dilemma; there are steps established for you to find your way to the correct answer. The problem solving method of ethical decision-making was created in alignment of the nursing process. Something we are all familiar with and in-turn can help rectify the problem to the dilemma. Step 1. ASSESS – obtain as much information as possible. It may be difficult to gather the …show more content…
Consider the choices of action – Without emotional attachment or consideration of consequences it is suggested to list all possible actions that can be used to solve the dilemma. If you are unable to come up with ideas seeking someone else’s help may be necessary. A supervisor or someone from the ethical department. If you are even unsure of anything the facilities policy is always a great place to start. Step 4. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each action – Write a pro’s and con’s list from every action you previously wrote. Worrying about how someone else would feel is not relevant in coming up with an answer to the dilemma. Step 5. Make a decision and act on it – This is one of the most difficult areas in anyone’s life really. The follow through on making a decision on an ethical dilemma. Fear is one of the most paralyzing human emotion that exists. There is usually a difference of opinion in an ethical dilemma. Everyone may not end up on the same page. In the end the client’s wishes are usually what come out on top. When everyone works together (patient, Dr’s, nurses, families) and has an understanding of the decision’s that are being made for the care of the patient, the less complications can