ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN NURSING: BALANCING CARE, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND CONSENT

Abstract

However, a nurse always faces a complex ethical dilemma when providing care, confidentiality and protection of the client's autonomy which is explicitly protected by informed consent. In this article we look at the ethical responsibility of the nurse in a multidimensional manner highlighting extremely important tension between providing love care, maintaining patient confidentiality and obtaining valid consent. Although ethical principles may conflict, for example, when there is a need to disclose information for treatment but it violates the patient’s privacy; or care is refused by the patient but there a concern about autonomy versus beneficence, the nurses are considered as frontline caregivers. Both of these dilemmas become more complicated in light of cultural diversity, technological developments, legal obligations and institutional policies. This paper reviews contemporary literature and undertakes a case based analysis to identify key ethical frameworks to guide nursing practice such as the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. It also examines how communication, critical thinking and professional ethics education helps NPs address these challenges successfully. As ways of assisting nurses in making ethically sound decisions, the following strategies are discussed: ethical consultation services, interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing training.Finally, this work emphasizes the necessity to reawaken ethics competence in nursing to accompany patient centered care that is patient inclusive yet meets clinical and juridical standards. The fostering of an ethical aware and supportive culture within healthcare environments will help nurses manage the difficult 'treat or betray' balancing act between care, confidentiality and consent and uphold the ethical integrity and trust central to the nursing profession.