Everyday ethical problems?

[Andre]

****o all, I'm new nursing student here, and I'm in search of some enlightment. Can you please help? =)

The time when we, students, start our field work has come. I'm quite scared of what might happen in the next few days, and I wanted to know which ethical questions do you face the most in your daily work life. I really wanted to know what I'll be facing, and even though the teachers help us a lot, there's nothing like hearing directly from a RN.

I'm not asking anything in particular, but in general, what are the most frequent situations? What scares/troubles you the most? I'm not asking for any names, dates or places, just, you know, everyday situations.

So, will you help this scared student out? ^^;

Thank you so much for your attention!

[cassioo]

I work labor and delivery (as well as teach peds and ob clinicals) on OB it can be something like labor choices...we live in a society of induce everyone needed or not. Pregnant women on drugs when they deliver. What chance does that child have going home with them? Parents that smoke. Religious decisions about getting/not getting blood products, how much or when is too much on the extreme premature infants (24-25 weeks) should you keep doing procedures when there is no hope or let the parents hold them while they can???. We have family fights at delivery and after, paternity issues. 20 yr olds having their 4th or 5th child by the 4th or 5th different man and nobody works but you. The list goes on and on from simple to more complex.
You have to check your beliefs and values at the door.

[Jadranko]

Look up my other posts and you can have your pick of ethical problems that can occur in the nursing, probally every profession. A book by Tonia Aiken,called legal and ethical issues in health occupationsis a good one,in addition to your slated coursework. Look up your states statutes as they relate to your profession, ignorane is no excuse. Talk with fellow nurses,and become familiar with your states code of ethics,and nurse practice act.
My biggest ethical issues stem from not wanting to have people hurt, that includes patients and nurses, well anyone. I'am a baby Gandi,I chose the profession with a commitment to make a positive difference, after 12years as a ICU/CVICU nurse I've been looking for work for over 10months, no go.
Because I would talk and then informally write up nurses that I felt had significant learning needs. The bosses never acted on them, so after a few years the dozen or so nurses that like to practice medicine, and not very well, found an opportunity to get me back. Stuff happens. If you care enough about people to stand up for them you need to be prepared to lose your job and career. At the end of the day you have to live with yourself. Are you willing to help a person,or co worker and put your job at risk? Dont feel bad ,95% of people will look out for number one first and foremost. Like the nursing shortage, that will never change. Good luck, and let your heart be a guide.