Posted: November 2nd, 2023

Ethical Issues in Nursing: Differentiating Moral States

Writing Expectations—3 to 4 pages, double-spaced, in length, not counting title page and references. APA format required (title page, citations in body of paper, and reference list)

differentiate between moral indifference, moral uncertainty, moral conflict, moral distress, and moral outrage

compare and contrast the utilitarian, duty-based, rights-based, and intuitionist frameworks for ethical decision making

use a systematic problem-solving or decision-making model to determine appropriate action for select ethical problems

identify and define nine different principles of ethical reasoning

demonstrate self-awareness regarding the ethical frameworks and ethical principles that most strongly influence their personal decision making

role-model ethical decision making congruent with national and international Codes of Ethics and current professional standards

describe how differences in personal, organizational, subordinate, and patient obligations increase the risk of intrapersonal conflict in ethical decision making

evaluate the quality of ethical problem solving in terms of both outcome and the process used to make the decision

describe the limitations of using outcome as the sole criterion for the evaluation of ethical decision making

identify strategies leader-managers can use to promote ethical behavior as the norm

distinguish between legal and ethical obligations in decision making

Ethics is the systematic study of what a person’s conduct and actions should be regarding self, other human beings, and the environment; it is the justification of what is right or good and the study of what a person’s life and relationships should be, not necessarily what they are. Ethics is a system of moral conduct and principles that guide a one’s actions regarding right and wrong, oneself, and society at large. Applied ethics requires the application of normative ethical theory to everyday problems. Nursing Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues in Nursing: Differentiating Moral States

Nurses frequently encounter complex ethical situations that challenge their moral compass. A clear understanding of different moral states can help nurses navigate these issues and make decisions that uphold patient well-being. This paper will differentiate between moral indifference, moral uncertainty, moral conflict, moral distress, and moral outrage as they relate to nursing practice.
Moral Indifference
Moral indifference occurs when a person is unaware of or unconcerned with the moral dimensions of a situation (Pavlish et al., 2018). A nurse exhibiting moral indifference may fail to consider how their actions impact a patient’s autonomy, welfare or dignity. For example, a nurse who routinely neglects to fully explain treatment options to patients so they can make informed consent demonstrates moral indifference (Grady et al., 2019).
Moral Uncertainty
Moral uncertainty arises when a nurse is aware of ethical issues but unsure how to evaluate them or determine the right course of action (Epstein & Delgado, 2010). A nurse facing new situations, complex patient cases, or situations with competing moral values may experience moral uncertainty. For instance, a nurse caring for a patient at the end of life who requests potentially futile aggressive care would feel moral uncertainty balancing patient autonomy with medical futility (Pavlish et al., 2018).
Moral Conflict
Moral conflict occurs when moral obligations or duties conflict (Pavlish et al., 2018). A nurse experiencing moral conflict recognizes competing moral considerations but cannot satisfy all aspects of the situation. An example is a nurse obligated to keep patient information confidential but believing they have a duty to warn others of potential harm from a patient (Epstein & Delgado, 2010).
Moral Distress
Moral distress arises when a nurse knows the ethically appropriate action but is unable to take it due to internal or external constraints (Pavlish et al., 2018). Sources of moral distress include inadequate staffing, unfair policies, medical errors, and futile care (Epstein & Delgado, 2010). Over time, prolonged moral distress can cause burnout, compassion fatigue and nurses to distance themselves emotionally from patients (Grady et al., 2019).
Moral Outrage
Moral outrage occurs when a person witnesses or experiences a situation they find to be seriously and unambiguously wrong (Pavlish et al., 2018). A nurse feeling moral outrage recognizes a clear ethical violation and experiences anger in response. An example would be a nurse witnessing physical or psychological abuse of a patient. Moral outrage can motivate corrective action but risks the nurse becoming judgmental or adversarial (Epstein & Delgado, 2010).
Conclusion
Differentiating between these moral states provides nurses a framework for understanding and addressing complex ethical situations. Greater self-awareness of one’s own moral dispositions can help navigate issues while upholding compassion for all involved. Overall, this differentiation aims to support nurses’ ability to make ethical decisions that respect patient autonomy, well-being and human dignity.
References
Epstein, E. G., & Delgado, S. (2010). Understanding and addressing moral distress. Online journal of issues in nursing, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol15No03Man01
Grady, C., Danis, M., Soeken, K. L., O’Donnell, P., Taylor, C., Farrar, A., & Ulrich, C. M. (2019). Does ethics education influence the moral action of practicing nurses and social workers?. Nursing Ethics, 26(1), 181–197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733017739578
Pavlish, C., Brown-Saltzman, K., Hersh, M., Shirk, M., & Rounkle Neltz, N. (2018). Nursing priorities, actions and regrets for ethical situations in clinical practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(4), 389–397. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12387

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Writing Expectations—3 to 4 pages, Ethical Issues in Nursing: Differentiating Moral States