...the dilemma. Administrative Issue A registered nurse, working as a flex pool nurse in a hospital, diverts narcotics to reduce anxiety and stress in her job. She signed out medication to patients that had not requested it and she substituted saline for drugs in syringes. When her actions were discovered she was confronted by her own administrator and the administrator of the unit she was assigned too. The nurse confessed to her behavior and asked for help, which was granted with a leave of absence and rehabilitation. The administrative issue at hand is whether the administrators should disclose confidential information concerning an employee to safeguard the patients and promote competent nursing care (Badzek, Mitchell, Marra, & Bower, 1998). The Impact If confidentiality is not maintained the nurses dignity and respect for person could be compromised and her inability to maintain privacy will deny her right to expression of autonomy. Revealing information about this nurse could harm her in such a ways as embarrassment, discrimination, physical or emotional harm, ridicule, loss of roles and relationships, and even economic harm...
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...to become better informed concerning personal health, and more educated in decision-making. Health care providers also benefit by conducting real-time meetings online to discuss the most challenging cases, and to devise solutions to improve therapeutic regimens of patients. Health care providers are driven by professional connections and timely communications with patients, families, and other health care providers. Social networking is the media by which health care providers use for a range of professional purposes, primarily to educate patients or to foster provider-patient relationships, which is impressive. Although social networking has tremendous benefits to the consumer and provider, it comes with strong concerns, and confidentiality, and patient privacy issues top the list (Modahl, 2011). In recent...
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...Ethics in Nursing Practice, Values and Decision Making Name Name of College Abstract Nurses work with a wide range of patients, and each patient presents their own economic, social and cultural differences. While nurses work to provide care for the sick, injured and dying, they are always working within the boundaries of their professional codes of ethics. The nursing code of ethics is more than laws and common etiquette, and upholding the code of ethics is understood and agreed upon by people in the nursing profession. The two kinds of ethical theories discussed most in nursing are consequentialist and nonconsequentialist theories. By examining these two theories, nurses are able to evaluate the principle of confidentiality and how to apply the principle within reasonable limits. Further understanding of these normative theories gives nurses the abilities to evaluate conflict avoidance and resolution. As nurses further navigate the world of ethics, they discover how the code of ethics is influenced by a person’s culture, and they acquire a solid foundation for current ethical decision-making models used in their industry. Ethics in Nursing Practice, Values and Decision Making Nurses who take care of patients are encouraged to do so with a certain level of politeness. Other than being polite, nurses are required to be skilled, and they must follow the laws which govern them in their field of practice. Between all of the skills, politeness and laws...
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...Administrative Ethics Heather Holcomb University of Phoenix Ethics: Health Care and Social Responsibility HCS 335 Deborah Laughon February 5, 2012 Administrative Ethics Abstract of Article: Administrative Ethics and Confidentiality/Privacy Issues This article presents a case study highlighting the conflict between an individual’s right to privacy and the rights of patients and staff to know when a professional standard has been breached. The process by which the administrator determines a course of action is reviewed in the context of workplace realities through an ethical analysis. The growth of information systems and the increased involvement of third parties in decision-making have created new issues regarding confidentiality and the release of sensitive information for health care personnel who are in a position of public trust. The issues facing nursing administrators are complex, and of particular concern are the conflicting demands of providing quality care with limited resources. The authors identify strategies to deal with the workplace issues that give rise to the potential for abuse as well as the strategies to support an impaired colleague who attempts to reenter the workforce (Badzek, Mitchell, Marra, & Bower, 1998). Introduction When asking the general public what health care ethics and health care privacy mean, most will relate that they are about protecting patients. Health care ethics and health care privacy do exist to protect patients and...
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...University NRS 437v Date: July 12, 2014 According to American Nursing Association code of ethics, provision 3,”confidentiality is associated with the right to privacy; the nurse has a duty to maintain confidentiality of all patient information. The patient's well being could be jeopardized and the fundamental trust between patient and nurse destroyed by unnecessary access to data or by the inappropriate disclosure of identifiable patient information. The rights, well being, and safety of the individual patient should be the primary factors in arriving at any professional judgment concerning the disposition of confidential information received from or about the patient, whether oral, written or electronic. The standard of nursing practice and the nurse's responsibility to provide quality care require that relevant data be shared with those members of the health care team who have a need to know. Only information pertinent to a patient's treatment and welfare is disclosed, and only to those directly involved with the patient's care. Duties of confidentiality, however, are not absolute and may need to be modified in order to protect the patient, other innocent parties, and in circumstances of mandatory disclosure for public health reasons” (www.nursingworld.org). This paper will discuss an ethical dilemma which a nurse encountered and tested her ethical principles regarding break of confidentiality. If the patients' private matters are disclosed to a party who is not...
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...The rights of patient are also affected. Patient rights have now become the center of attention in practice of medicine. Today, concerns about patients’ choice and the respect for their preferences, values and the access to medical care are getting more complex. The patients’ expectations are becoming higher and now they always want everything best (Rafique & Bhatti, 2014). Nurses are subject to numerous ethical and legal duties in their professional role, including the imperative to maintain patients’ privacy and confidentiality. Beginning in 1893, nurses take the Nightingale Pledge “I promise to do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling” (Gretter, 2012). The duty continues today, with hospital policies, state regulations, and federal law aimed at protecting patients’ confidentiality. Critical care providers are often privy to confidential information in the course of clinical practice. The dilemma may arise when confidential information is requested by family members or friends of the patient. Although at times it seems that regulations and laws are so stringent that any disclosure of health care information is forbidden, it may be necessary and appropriate to make disclosures, and the current regulations and laws support the professional judgment in communicating patients’ health information (Wielawski...
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...Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Nursing has a renowned history of concern and interest for the welfare of the sick, injured and vulnerable for social justice. Nursing encompasses prevention of illness, decreasing suffering, and the protection, promotion, and restoration of health. Ethics is been an integral part of the foundation of nursing and it is self reflective, enduring and distinctive. In the professional course, a nurse encounters with different types of patients, several types of families and varied situations. Every patient has certain rights and a nurse has to respect them in both legal and ethical aspects. Confidentiality is important to create confidence between nurses and patients. Without promising privacy to their matters, patients will be hesitant to share important information to health care professionals which may be necessary for their care. Respecting patient’s confidentiality is a legal requirement and also a professional, ethical and legal duty. By law, breaching confidentiality may end in unlawful condemnation and punishments The moral consequence when breaking confidentiality is loss of client, loss of reputation, loss of revenue, and breaking of moral, lawful and moral obligations. A credulous bond between nurses and patients will improve patient satisfaction and will help patient to disclose even the most sensitive information which will help in their treatment and care. This will also improve adherence to medical management plans in almost...
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...protecting the security and confidentiality of that information (Van der Aa, 2000). The areas addressed for HIPPA are: • Concerns that disclosure of patient medical records could result in embarrassment, insurance declination, loss of employment, or failure to be hired in a new job; • Increasing costs of data exchange in an incompatible and often competing standards environment to exchange administrative and financial data; • Implement processes and systems to reduce fraud (Van der Aa, 2000). HIPPA was signed into law, to help create a standard that will protect patient’s medical records and personal health records. This act is to help the health care employees have more control of a patient’s information and its privacy. This act also gives the patient the right to control their own information. Apart from the right to inspect, amend and correct their confidential health information, patients now have the right to control what information can be released and to whom (Van der Aa, 2000). The following case study is an opportunity to review ethical issues relative to confidentiality. This case study is a backdrop for the ethical analysis of issues by an administrator related to disclosing confidential information concerning an employee. An administrator has responsibilities that extend beyond patient medical information. The growth of information systems make one ethical concern that continually presents itself to the administrator is confidentiality of information, regardless...
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...Ethical Framework in Practice Nursing is an admirable, dignified career. Nurses respect the self-sufficiency and self-esteem of all their patients in every matter. Patients share their confidential information to the nurses, because they trust the nurse. Nurses care for the sick and needy population. Nurses take care of the patient’s deepest and painful needs in an intimate way compared to other disciplines in the health care team (Nazarko, 2009). Nurses frequently encounter ethical dilemmas and issues related to providing confidential information. This paper analysis is about the ethical recommendations on breach of privacy act between the nurses and the patient. Hippocratic Oath evidently explains about the importance of confidentiality in medical ethics. The oath is like this," That whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of my patients that are not fitting to be spoken, I will keep in confidence" (Hippocratic Oath, 2010). In Nightingale’s pledge for nursing, says that ‘‘I will hold in confidence of all personal matters in the practice of nursing” (Gretter, 1893). All nurses take Nightingale’s pledge at their graduation oath. Nurses are dedicated to provide better care for their patient based on their patient’s values and beliefs to maintain confidentiality. The provision of health care is comprehensive and people’s needs are often complex. Modern technology has made advanced changes in healthcare. With the many advances changes in health care a equivalent...
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...standards. In order to make appropriate decisions, nurses require an understanding of how laws, ethics, and nursing interface. Nursing is a profession that deals with the most personal and private aspects of people’s lives. It is through the intimacy and trust inherent in the nurse-patient relationship that nurses become critical participants in the process of ethical decision making. Determining the existence of an ethical dilemma is the beginning step in the process that includes defining the problem, identifying desired objectives, listing and evaluating alternatives, choosing the best course of action based on one’s knowledge and the current circumstances, and evaluating the outcomes of the action taken. Analysis of the ethical topic April 01, 2011- A 38 year’s old patient, John Doe, is evaluated in the ER for increased fatigue, low grade fever, abdominal distention, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance. Upon completing her assessment the patient asks nurse Chacko to promise will not divulge to his wife that he also has a male lover, and ask nurse Chacko not to divulge neither to his wife nor to his lover any information regarding a possible diagnosis of Hepatitis C or HIV diagnosis. Nurse Chacko finds out that the patient is indeed infected with HIV. Patient does not have Hepatitis C virus. The nurse faces a serious dilemma of breaking her promise of confidentiality to her patient. The patient is an auto mechanic who grew up in a family with strict morale standards...
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...Ethics of Nurses Jessica Voorhees HCA322 Eugene Elliott January 14, 2013 Ethics of Nurses The Code of Ethics was designed as a measuring stick for healthcare workers to compare their actions against. “The Code of Ethics also incorporates standards of ethical behavior governing individual behavior, particularly when that conduct directly relates to the role and identity of the healthcare executive.” (A.C.H.E., 2012). Today’s health care system and its professionals are receiving ever-growing pressure to make practical effort to ensure that the quality of patient care available is provided. “The fundamental objectives of the healthcare management profession are to maintain or enhance the overall quality of life, dignity and well-being of every individual needing healthcare service and to create a more equitable, accessible, effective and efficient healthcare system.” (A.C.H.E). There are many laws that have been implemented in today’s world to ensure that this is accomplished. “They are designed to prevent harm to others while protecting the rights of individuals.” (Pogzar, 2012, pg.196). Although in general most apply and affect everyone in our society, some affect those in the health care professions more. The Code of Ethics helps to keep personal feelings from entering into medical advise by the medical professional. Common ethics in a clinical setting are well known such negligence. Nurses are responsible for any negligence. “It is the...
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...be considered the respect of an individual’s autonomy, confidence, and acknowledgement of responsibilities owed to all individual. The above-mentioned acts fall within the professional jurisdiction; there are legal repercussions that direct care. As a result, it can be said that ethical respects transpire in remark of legal responsibilities. According to the Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health, confidentiality is the right of an individual patient to have personal, identifiable medical information kept private; such information should be available only to the physician of record and other health care and insurance personnel as necessary. With ethics playing an essential part in the groundwork of nursing, a break of confidentiality can have ethical consequences fluctuating from individual’s uncertainty, legal implications, and other inadvertent results. Difficulties on the subject of the exemption to the obligation of confidentiality come under the imprecise description of public distress and awareness. Which increases ethical dilemmas as to who a nurse is obliged to protect? Nursing duties include prevention of disease, the facilitating of disorders, and the defense, encouragement, and re-establishment of welfare in the care of persons, families, and the public (American Nurses Association). A responsibility to such broad individuals can cause struggle from equally a personal and professional perspective. If the...
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...Running head: CONFIDENTIALITY Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Chandra H. Dillow Grand Canyon University: NRS-437V March 18, 2012 Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice In the profession of nursing, there are many ethical principles which one must maintain as the basis for their nursing care. One of these principles is confidentiality, which requires nurses to preserve the privacy of one’s patients and ensure their autonomy. Maintaining confidentiality is essential in the nurse-patient relationship as it shows respect for the patients. Since the time the Nightingale Pledge was written, confidentiality has been one of the main standards to uphold as a nurse. The following will discuss ethical theories and the application of them when faced with dilemmas in the work setting. Breach of Confidentiality Nurses and physicians alike are accountable for maintaining a patient’s confidentiality. Having a breach of confidentiality has the possibility of causing undue harm or the patient being averse to seeking medical care. Undue harm can be described as “embarrassment, ridicule, discrimination, deprivation of rights, physical or emotional harm and loss of roles or relationships” (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008). One’s personal values and principles establish the foundation for ethical knowledge and decision making. There are instances, however, when breaching confidentiality is necessary to prevent harm to the patient or community. Ethical Principles ...
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...relationship is established and the promise of confidentiality is incriminated automatically. Respecting confidentiality is the professional commitment. Yet occasionally unavoidable situations bring health care profession to face nothing but the alternative choices which ends up breaching the confidentiality. The author would like to discuss one’s professional position regarding the ethical implications of a breach of confidentiality, ethical theories and principles, identify alternatives, and ethics committee’s approach in resolving ethical dilemma. Ethical Implications of a Breach of Confidentiality The medical profession has an obligation to live up to the patient's expectations of privacy and to earn the trust. By breaching confidentiality, patients no longer disclose honest and full information to medical professionals, or even initiate avoidance of seeking future care. Without trusting medical professionals, it is hard to expect for patients to reveal private and intimate nature of the information which could be vital in treatment decision. It means breaching confidentiality not only denies individual privacy but also prevents the autonomy of patient (Nathanson, 2000). Who would volunteer the info when he or she sees it is against to self by revealing them? Confidentiality violations could be potentially disastrous. Nonetheless, there are certain occasions as an exception in which it may be necessary to breach confidentiality without patients’ consent and act against...
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...Privacy and Confidentiality in Nursing Margaret A Stone, Sarah A Redsell, Jennifer T Ling, and Alastair D Hay (2005). Sharing patient data: competing demands of privacy, trust and research in primary care. British Journal of General Practice, 55: 783 – 789. Retrieved from http://bjgp.org/content/55/519/783.full?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&fulltext=maintaining+privacy+and+confidentiality++in+nursing+&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=10&tdate=3/31/2014&resourcetype=HWCIT In this article, Margaret et al. (2005) have focused on privacy and confidentiality as key principles in the nursing profession. In the current time, the issue of balancing confidentiality and protection of patients’ information over the requirement to advance public health is a concern under discussion. Health care providers are required to ensure privacy and confidentiality of their clients’ information and this has been evidenced as vital in establishing a trusting association between the two parties. General care practice holds lifetime records of patients’ information and this has exposed it to various issues related to confidentiality. Margaret et al. (2005) have attempted to investigate the attitudes and awareness of healthcare professionals and patient on issues related to patient information sharing for the purpose of research. They also aimed at investigating how such information sharing may affect trust between care providers and...
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