Ethics in Nursing: Self Advocacy and Professional Accountability in Clinical Practice

ETHICS IN NURSING 1
NURSING ETHICS, SELF ADVOCACY, PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN
CLINICAL PRACTICE
Name:
Institutional affiliation:

ETHICS IN NURSING 2
RESPONSE TO MR NEWCOMB REQUEST
Firstly, I would evaluate the situation and think critically about the benefits and risks of telling
Mrs. Newcomb to not arrive in the hospital as Mr. Newcomb is visited by his mistress. I would
evaluate on how Mr. Newcomb would benefit from this. Also, I would consider the policy of the
hospital and if such arrangements are allowed. After critical thinking, I would heed Mr.
Newcomb’s request to see his mistress.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES APPLIED TO THE SCENARIO
The principle of beneficence states that the action taken in a medical situation is one that benefits
all parties. The nurse’s action should promote the patient’s wellbeing in all condition. In Mr.
Newcomb situation informing Mrs. Newcomb that he was busy so he would engage his mistress.
According to (Brody,2014) the nurse action would yield an outcome but the nurse should weigh
in telling the truth or deception would yield the best outcome. Mr. Newcomb last wishes was to
see his mistress and that is what really mattered to him at the moment probably to say goodbye
before it was too late. Most importantly Mr. Newcomb will benefit and this action will do him
carries more benefits for him. The nurse has a duty to take steps to benefit the patient
(Beauchamp and Childress,2013).
The principle of nonmaleficence states that the nurse should do no harm. Deception of Mr.
Newcomb’s actions to Mrs. Newcomb would be causing her harm but benefiting Mr. Newcomb.
According to (Keeley,2016) the dying process is one which includes the loved ones of a patient.
This principle conflicts with the principle of beneficence
The principle of justice refers to the patient’s right to be treated equally. According to (Rawls
2013) there are several inequalities facing a disadvantaged individual and healthcare workers