Assignment Task

The intent of this paper is for students to become familiar with ethical issues and ethical dilemmas. This allows you to explore one of the “grey” areas of medical advancement. Nurses who have prolonged contact with patients often come across challenging ethical and legal issues, especially in times of limited resources. In light of different situations, nurses continue to provide safe, ethical, and quality patient centered care.

Process

1. The ethical essay is to be written individually using American Psychological Association (APA) format. (See other document posted for APA reference guide)

2. Select ONE of the topics below for your essay. Be sure to choose a topic that you have a strong interest and a strong background of information.

3. Read widely about your topic by researching literature study to familiarize yourself with the different perspectives that exist about your topic.

4. Start to research a case scenario with valid reference (i.e., library resources) to use as a reference point of your argument (case scenario from internet search or personal situation is not acceptable- the scenario should be a formal literature case with formal reference i.e., Seneca Library references).

5. Next, decide on a position that you will take regarding the identified issue.

6. Formulate a clear and concise thesis/argument. The aim of your paper is to support your position through ethical reasoning with valid literature references.

7. Make sure that you use a MINIMUM of four references that are NOT part of the required course readings

Topics

Euthanasia

• Nurses’ safety (may consider AIDS and HIV positive clients, multi drug resistant TB and the SARs crisis, COVID).
• Organ donation
• Pro-choice vs pro-life
• Advance directives, living will, and proxy directive.
• Telling the truth vs deception

Stem Cell Research

• Voluntary and involuntary commitment to a mental health facility (what this means regarding client rights and the nursing role)
• Advocacy
• Client`s rights
• Assisted suicide. Medical Assistance In Dying (M.A.I.D).
• End of life care e.g., palliative care

Patient abuse

• Drug regulation in Canada and the implications for nurses.
• Freedom vs nurse control
• Negligence
• Safe Drug Injection Sites
• Legalization of marijuana in Canada

NOTE: Only the list above is the topic approved for your Ethical Dilemma paper. Essays submitted with a topic that is not on the list will not be accepted and mark of your paper will be automatically zero.

Tips

Be analytical and provide effective argument. Be sure to explain your agreement and disagreement with the nursing practice identified. Your position should be through the utilization of relevant ethical theories, principles, nursing standards and codes and current relevant research to formulate your argument, this must include the applicable/appropriate legislation. Make sure that your paper contains a reflection on what personal values you have in relation to the issue. A good argument always presents both sides but justifies why one side is more compelling than the other.

Additional tips

• Background information and significance of the topic chosen should be included
• Good case scenario that reflects your argument (i.e., journal case study from the library not internet searches)
• Well-focused essay showing your understanding on the topic, clear, readable, good flow with correct grammar and spelling.
• Strong argument and avoid repeated ideas and information
• Discuss the implications of this topic to the nursing practice.
• Conclusion; summarizes your ideas/argument/stand on the chosen theory and principle/s.