Introduction;
WOW!.. Hard position to be in. And one that I could potentially face being an ER nurse. The right thing to do? The purpose of this discussion is to discuss the ethical principles of nursing which are autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, veracity, confidentiality, justice, and fidelity. These principles give guidance and direction to help the nurse reach an ethically correct decision.
The ethical principles involved in this case are the principles of beneficence and confidentiality.. Beneficence requires us to do good, to prevent or remove harm. Confidentiality requires the nurse to maintain personal information that is entrusted to us by keeping the information private and confidential. The principle …show more content…
This is such a hard position for the patient-nurse relationship. The patient was strong enough, and allowed herself, to be vulnerable by confiding in the nurse, trusting that the nurse will not embarrass or ridicule her with this tender information.
However, the confidentiality of the patient must be overridden due to the severity of this abusive environment. This patient is unable to protect herself, therefore, despite the patient autonomy, this is a crime. As healthcare workers we are obligated to report this situation and to protect this patient from further harm. T
Not having to face this incident yet in my nursing career, I feel that I would first , sit lower than the patient in the room, taking a submissive stands so the patient does not feel intimidated by me anyway. Then I would applaud her for sharing this information with me, pointing out how strong she really is, in an attempting to strengthen our relationship and allowing her to feel safe with me. Communicate with empathy while reminding her that she is not to blame and that I believe in her. The hard part, informing her that this cannot be kept a secret . Explaining how I am required to report a crime. Reassuring her that sharing this information will stop the abuse she is enduring and prevent the potential of further abuse to others. Encouraging her that her feelings are correct, what they are