APA 3-4 PAGES Introduction – Introduction of the issue Task – Explication and summary of what is known about the issue Process – Relevant ethical analysis (Principles, Ethical Theories, Laws, and Standards of Practice) Resources – References including hyperlinks to online content used Evaluation – Reflection of what you learned Conclusion – Summary of your dilemma 3-4 page paper not including reference page Discuss the ethical dilemma that was, or could have been, caused by the situation. Discuss the relevance of the issue to the healthcare profession. Discuss how the situation was handled and whether or not it was handled in accordance with evidence-based practice utilizing at least one professional reference dated 2012 to the present. Provide a personal response to the issue (this is the only section where first person is allowed to be used). Cite your references and annotate in text according to APA 6th edition. My ethical Issue Nurses have taken an oath to do no harm and promote the wellness of their patients, however some nurses have not lived up to that oath. While working the evening shift at a skilled nursing facility it was reported to my co-corker that one of her patients on her unit had a fall. The shift went on with no other concerns and report was given to the oncoming night shift nurse. Three previous shifts of nurses and nursing assistants was called into the Director of Nursing office and were questioned about the patient and any acknowledge of her change in condition. Upon making rounds the patient complained of pain to the left hip and leg pain, thus the morning shift nurse assessed the patient noting pain upon touching and palpating the left leg. The patient informed the morning nurse that she has fallen yesterday evening, however no documentation or communication of a fall was reported. The MD was called, and X-Rays and the left leg and hip were ordered for stat testing. The results came back positive for a fracture of the left hip trochanter and dislocation of the left knee. I was astounded because I did overhear the nursing assistant report the fall to my peer therefore, putting me in a dilemma. My current practice setting is within case management and provider resources, thus ensuring that the patient get the optimal care. There are ways to resolve practice problems such as identify the problem as you see it, get the story straight, gather relevant data, also identify the affected parties and consider the ethical issues involved (Wagner LM, 2010). Patient safety is a critical component of the care nurses deliver as we attempt to prevent patient harm. Incident reporting is the prevailing approach to gathering data on accidental falls in skill nursing facilities for quality assurance purposes, though is of questionable quality as staff time pressures, perception of blame and other factors are thought to contribute to under-reporting. The nurse is the situation did not follow the ethical code of beneficence which is doing good and the right thing for the patient, also she failed to follow practice. Although, the nurse was not honest, I told the Director of nursing what was reported to my peer the previous day, thus I was not aware that she did not properly assess the patient or file an incident report. References Wagner LM, C. E. (2010). Use of a falls incident reporting system to improve care process documentation in nursing homes. BMC Health Services Research , 254.
