Define the scope of the ethical issue. Explain the scope of the issue as it relates to nursing.

Nursing role and scope presentation (due 20 hours)

The scope of the ethical issue in nursing is broad and encompasses many facets. Ethical issues for nurses cover a wide range of topics, such as patient autonomy, competence, confidentiality and privacy, end-of-life decisions, informed consent, resource allocation/utilization, organizational responsibilities and accountability, professional development and practice standards. Nurses must consider their own moral values when making decisions that affect the care of patients. They must be aware of legal ramifications related to professional practice to ensure they are following regulations. Additionally they should adhere to professional codes of conduct that set forth expectations for how nurses interact with others within their profession as well as those outside it.

Nurses need to be cognizant of cultural sensitivities when interacting with families from diverse backgrounds so they can provide culturally competent care while respecting personal beliefs and social norms associated with various cultures and religions. Similarly they must understand the implications of laws related to age discrimination in order to provide appropriate care regardless of a person’s age or stage in life cycle. In addition nurses have an obligation to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves or lack access to necessary resources due to financial or social constraints.

In short ethical issues pertinent to nursing involve questions regarding respect for patient autonomy; competency; confidentiality; privacy; informed consent; resource utilization; organizational responsibility; accountability in professional development and standards of practice as well as cultural competency awareness on behalf diversity among patients’ families.