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Ethical dilemmas in perioperative nursing practice
1School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore.
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Perioperative nurses face ethical dilemmas daily. Understanding ethical models and available resources empowers nurses to advocate for patients, enhancing autonomy and human rights in surgical care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Ethics
- Perioperative Care
- Healthcare Professional Development
Background:
- Ethical dilemmas are prevalent in all perioperative nursing settings and phases.
- Awareness and systematic resolution models benefit both patients and nurses.
- Increasing patient complexity necessitates skilled nursing professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of recognizing and resolving ethical dilemmas in perioperative nursing.
- To emphasize the benefits of ethical skill development for nurses and patient advocacy.
- To guide nurses in utilizing available resources for ethical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- This study is a conceptual analysis and synthesis of ethical principles in perioperative nursing.
- It reviews existing ethical codes and competency statements relevant to surgical nursing.
- It emphasizes reflective practice and the use of established ethical models.
Main Results:
- Empowering perioperative nurses with ethical knowledge enhances patient autonomy, dignity, and confidentiality.
- Nurses equipped with ethical skills act as crucial advocates for vulnerable surgical patients.
- Knowledge of resources, including the ANA code and AORN competencies, aids dilemma resolution.
Conclusions:
- Ethical proficiency is essential for perioperative nurses to protect patient rights and well-being.
- Systematic approaches and resource utilization are key to navigating complex surgical ethical challenges.
- Highly skilled and ethically competent nurses are invaluable assets to the surgical team and patient safety.