Analysis of Professional Roles and Values in Nursing Ethics

This essay, written by a student, delves into the critical aspects of professional roles and values within the context of nursing ethics. The paper begins with a case study involving a terminally ill patient and explores the ethical dilemmas faced by a nurse. It emphasizes the importance of advocating for patient dignity and wishes, even when they conflict with conventional expectations. The essay then outlines key ethical principles of nursing, including non-maleficence, beneficence, fidelity, autonomy, the principles of totality and integrity, and justice, illustrating how these principles apply to the case study. The student also reflects on their personal beliefs and values as a nurse, highlighting the significance of compassion, empathy, and adherence to ethical standards. Finally, the essay proposes strategies for promoting self-care, such as identifying personal needs, establishing routines, and setting boundaries to ensure a nurse's well-being and ability to provide optimal patient care. The paper concludes by referencing relevant literature to support its arguments.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND VALUES
PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND VALUES
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note

1PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND VALUES
Response to Mr. Newcomb
1. The given case study reveals that Mr. Newcomb is terminally ill. Mr. Newcomb has spent
40 years of his life with his wife and it seemed they are in deep love. On the contrary, Mr.
Newcomb also wants to see his mistress for the last time before death. For the time being,
one might think skeptical about this fact that the patient wants to meet his mistress in
spite of having a loving wife, but according to me and as per the ethics of nursing
conduct, it is my duty to advocate the dignity and the integrity of the patient and think
about his health and safety. It is the last day of his life; hence as a nurse I would try to
address his wishes.
Ethical principles of nursing
2. Compliance with the different ethics of nursing is important to the safety and quality of
the patient. Normally there are six key ethical principles of nursing. They are- Non-
maleficence, beneficence, fidelity, autonomy, principles of totality and integrity and
justice (Parahoo, 2014).
The ethical principle of non maleficence refers to the protection of the patient
safety. Non maleficence involves the avoidance of any action that can harm the patient
(Martela & Ryan, 2016) In this case it is evident that Mr. Newcomb is seriously ill and
such an act of non maleficence can bring about satisfaction in the patient. It might
happen, that if Mr. Newcomb's wish is not granted, his integrity will be destroyed or his
health condition might further deteriorate, which will be contradictory to the nursing
ethics..

2PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND VALUES
Beneficence can be practiced by doing well to the patient. Now an ethical
dilemma may arise as what is good for the patient. A patients good should come before
the organization or nurses or the family members (Parahoo, 2014). In this case it can be
seen that the patient has reached the last days of his life and fulfilling his last wish would
help him to die in peace. In such a case Mrs. Newcomb's condition can be considered.
Lying to Mrs. Newcomb may question the ethical principles of nursing, but that act can
help a terminally ill patient to die in dignity (Schmeck (Ed.),2013).
As per the principles of autonomy, a patient should have the right to make decisions
about their lives without any interference from the others (Judkins-Cohn et al., 2013). In context
to this Mr. Newcomb cannot be doubted or questioned because of his wish, which some might
find as obnoxious. Furthermore as per the principle of justice, every patient should get equal care
(Martela & Ryan, 2016). As a nurse it would be my duty to provide a compassionate care to Mr.
Newcomb and help to fulfill his last wish by maintaining confidentiality.
My personal beliefs and values
3. According to me ethics are fundamental to nursing. A patient depends on the trust and
honesty of a nurse and the adherence to the nursing standards. A nurse should be able to
develop compassion and empathy for the patient (Parahoo, 2014). Nurses are the
important members of a multidisciplinary team. According to me, a registered nurse
should sometimes push her limits or step beyond her conventional world and should
accept the patient’s ideologies for the well being of the patient, even if it hurts the
morality of other person.

3PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND VALUES
Strategies or promoting self care
4. Three strategies for promoting self care are as follows (Schmeck ,2013):-
 To figure out the things that is lacking in one's life, the things one is yearning for,
bringing out some time for own self. Here Mr. Newcomb wants to see his
mistress; such a wish at this point of life can be fulfilled as it would not bring
about any harm in anybody’s life.
 To find out the own rhythm and the routine that can give the life security and
stability.
 To create a "no" list; that is the list of things that is beyond one's capacity of
doing. Those things that can bring complications to one’s life can be avoided and
people should strive for whatever brings happiness. In this case Mr. Newcomb’s
meeting with his mistress would give him some peace during his last days.

4PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND VALUES
References
Judkins-Cohn, T. M., Kielwasser-Withrow, K., Owen, M., & Ward, J. (2013). Ethical principles
of informed consent: exploring nurses’ dual role of care provider and researcher. The
Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 45(1), 35-42.
Martela, F., & Ryan, R. M. (2016). The Benefits of Benevolence: Basic Psychological Needs,
Beneficence, and the Enhancement of Well‐Being. Journal of personality, 84(6), 750-
764.
Parahoo, K. (2014). Nursing research: principles, process and issues. Palgrave Macmillan.
Schmeck, R. R. (Ed.). (2013). Learning strategies and learning styles. Springer Science &
Business Media.