What are the sources of ethical dilemmas for nurse leaders?

In this article review, you will explore ethical issues and discuss their implications.
Step 1 Read the article, Moral Courage and the Nurse Leader Download Moral Courage and the Nurse Leader by Cole Edmonson.
Step 2 Based on the article, answer the following questions:
What are the sources of ethical dilemmas for nurse leaders?
How should nurse leaders handle those issues?
Explain the 4As Framework recommended by the Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
What are the recommendations that can increase moral courage in nurse leaders?
Step 3 Save and submit your assignment.
When you have completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself in an easily accessible place and submit a copy to your instructor.
Cite all sources in APA format.
ANSWER
Sources of Ethical Dilemmas for Nurse Leaders:
Resource Allocation: Deciding how to allocate limited resources, such as staff, medical equipment, or medications, can present ethical dilemmas, especially when there’s a need to prioritize care for some patients over others.
Patient Autonomy vs. Beneficence: Balancing the principle of respecting a patient’s autonomy (their right to make decisions about their own healthcare) with the duty to act in the patient’s best interest (beneficence) can be ethically challenging.
End-of-Life Decisions: Nurse leaders often face ethical dilemmas when dealing with end-of-life care, including decisions about withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment and addressing patients’ or families’ wishes.
Confidentiality: Maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount, but nurse leaders may encounter dilemmas when balancing this obligation with the need to protect the well-being of others or prevent harm.
Handling Ethical Issues:
Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks: Nurse leaders can utilize ethical decision-making frameworks, such as the “4As Framework” recommended by the AACN, which may involve Assessing the situation, Asserting one’s position, Achieving resolution, and Acting with integrity.
Ethical Committees: Establishing and utilizing hospital or healthcare organization ethics committees can provide guidance and recommendations when complex ethical issues arise.
Open Communication: Promoting open and honest communication within the healthcare team is essential. Nurse leaders should encourage discussions and consultations with colleagues, patients, and their families to address ethical concerns collaboratively.
The 4As Framework by AACN:
The 4As Framework is a structured approach to ethical decision-making in healthcare, with the following steps:
Assess: Evaluate the situation, including all relevant facts, stakeholders, and ethical principles at play.
Assert: Clearly state one’s ethical position and concerns, advocating for the right course of action.
Achieve Resolution: Engage in discussions and consultations to seek a resolution that aligns with ethical principles.
Act with Integrity: Implement the agreed-upon course of action with integrity and commitment to ethical values.
Increasing Moral Courage in Nurse Leaders:
Recommendations to enhance moral courage in nurse leaders may include:
Providing ongoing ethics education and training.
Encouraging open dialogue and a culture of ethical reflection.
Recognizing and celebrating acts of moral courage.
Supporting nurse leaders in seeking guidance from ethics committees or consultants when faced with complex dilemmas.
It’s important to refer to the specific article for detailed insights and recommendations related to moral courage and ethical dilemmas in nursing leadership.