36219 Ethics in Healthcare: Decision Making, Ethical Dilemmas

Course overview

Discussion of ethical dilemmas and ethical decision-making in healthcare, including the differences between religion, law, and morals and their impact on making choices, the differences between ethical dilemmas, moral courage, and moral distress, and critical checkpoints and inhibitors of moral courage. During a nurses career, it is inevitable that he or she will encounter some type of ethical dilemma or conflict. Nurses are required to provide respectful, humane, and dignified care to patients at all times, and must uphold the ethical obligations of the nursing profession. However, the ability of a nurse to take the correct action is often hindered by the conflicting values and beliefs of other healthcare providers. Whether an ethical dilemma involves an issue with a co-worker, a patient situation, or a physician, the nurse must be able to effectively address, navigate, and respond to the dilemma while upholding the fundamental ethical principles of the nursing profession. This program provides an introduction to ethical decision making, analysis of ethical dilemmas, theories guiding ethical decision-making, and historical perspectives related to healthcare ethics.