Ethical decision making by nurses in HIV/AIDS situations

Area of Science:

• Nursing Ethics
• Public Health
• Bioethics

Background:

• Ethical decision-making is crucial for nurses, especially in complex situations like Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) care.
• Understanding the basis of nurses' ethical choices in HIV/AIDS contexts is essential for improving patient care and professional standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ethical decision-making processes of registered nurses (RNs) working with patients with HIV/AIDS.
• To identify the primary factors influencing nurses' ethical choices in clinical scenarios involving HIV/AIDS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an adapted version of Crisham's Nursing Dilemma Test.
• Registered nurses (RNs) from diverse settings in Ohio participated.
• Participants ranked reasons for action in response to presented vignettes.

Main Results:

• Nurses' decisions in HIV/AIDS situations were predominantly based on practical considerations.
• The influence of established nursing principles appeared less prominent in their decision-making.
• A gap exists between practical decision-making and adherence to core nursing ethics.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' ethical reasoning in HIV/AIDS care may be more pragmatic than principle-driven.
• Targeted educational initiatives are recommended to reinforce nursing principles in ethical decision-making.
• Enhancing education can foster greater reliance on nursing ethics in clinical practice.