Ethical Responsibilites of the Nurse Leader

1.   What did you actually learn from the unit.

This week I learned what ethics committees are and how they can be beneficial in certain situations. I also realized that I can call upon an ethics committee if I feel a need for it. I have also been reminded of how difficult ethical dilemmas are, especially in healthcare. We are dealing with life and death situations almost every day making these dilemmas perhaps some of the most difficult that exist. There are so many ways to go about making the “right” decision. A dilemma is actually created when both decisions are good…it becomes good decision vs. good decision sometimes. The views of the patient and family are so important to take into consideration but medical expertise, evidence, and perspectives are also important. I realized that it all comes down to a patient’s quality of life.

2.   Discuss your feelings/experiences from the team activities? Did it change your opinion on the subject? If so, how? If not, why?

The discussions this week provided some new insight for me. I learned of some methods and steps to follow when trying to make a decision about an ethical dilemma and all the aspects that should be considered. It was interesting and kind of fun actually to attempt to act as the ethics committee and make a decision regarding dialysis for a patient. I think discussing other ethical dilemmas and seeing others’ points of view has helped me have a better, more well-rounded perspective and understanding of ethics and all things that should be taken into consideration.

3.   How you will utilize the information learned in your nursing practice.

I can utilize the ethics committee if I am ever in a situation where I feel it to be necessary. I realize how difficult these situations are and don’t take them lightly. I need to always remember to validate the family’s and the patient’s feelings and wishes but also educate from a medical perspective to provide understanding. Documentation is also very, very important and I want to continue to be thorough with documentation so if an ethical dilemma arises, there won’t be any questions as to why we made a decision or not.

4.   Your personal feelings about the material covered.

Ethics are so hard and ethical dilemmas are even more difficult. I don’t want to be faced with decisions like we have discussed this week but the fact is, I am going to be because of my profession. I feel this week has really helped me to see proper steps to take and things to consider to make an appropriate decision. I felt this week was very helpful and had deep meaning.