Ethical Dilemma Worksheet
An ethical dilemma is when we are faced to choose between decisions that are morally/ethically incompatible or being in a situation when decisions are being made that contradict your moral/ethical values. Ethical dilemmas, out involvement in them, and making decisions against our own values can lead to moral/ethical distress. Moral/ethical distress is when we feel psychological distress when we act against our moral/ethical values or are not permitted to act on them. This form of distress is a leading cause for nursing attrition and unhealthy coping mechanisms (including drug us to suicide).
- Think of a time at work where you experienced an ethical dilemma. This could be a situation where you were directly involved or one you simply observed. Briefly describe the scenario and what you deemed to be the ethical dilemma.
- Describe what you felt in the situation. What was it wrong or difficult for you?
- What id you do in the situation and what was the outcome. If you did nothing, explain why.
- Did you experience moral/ethical distress? If so what did you do to address and/or cope with it?
Ethical Dilemma Worksheet
Review the ethical dilemma you shared in Worksheet “A”
- Read “A clinician’s approach to clinical ethical reasoning” by L. C. Kaldjian
- Reassess the ethical dilemma you examined in worksheet “A” and identify each step below that was not performed in your ethical dilemma example.
- For each step you identified, describe what your or another professional could have done to use clinical ethical reasoning using suggestions from the article.
- After evaluating your ethical dilemma through the clinical ethical reasoning model, answer the journal question.
6 -step Clinical Ethical Reasoning Checklist:
- APPROACH
- Identify problem
- GATHER AND ORGANIZE DATA
- Medical Facts
- Medical Goals
- Patient’s Goals & Preferences
- Context
- ASK: IS THE PROBLEM ETHICAL?
- ASK: IS MORE INFORMATION OR DIALOGUE NEEDED
- DETERMINE BEST COURSE OF ACTION & SUPPORT YOUR POSITION WITH REFERENCES TO ONE OR SOUCES OF ETHICAL VALUE
- CONFIRM THE ADEQUACY &COHERENCE OF THE CONCLUSION.
Question: Reflect on the ethical dilemma you presented in Worksheet “A”. After reexamining it through the clinical ethical reasoning model, discuss whether or not you see the scenario differently? Do you still feel this incident is an ethical dilemma, why or why not? Minimum 300 words
Ethical Dilemma Worksheet
Review the ethical dilemma you shared in worksheet “A”
- Read “Moral Resilience: A capacity for navigating moral distress in critical care” by C.H. Rushton
- Answer the following questions:
Questions
- Rushton shares eight ways to develop moral resiliency. First, identify which areas you feel you need to further develop to support growth in moral resiliency by check the box next to each step. Since we continually need to foster these skills, please identify at least 3 areas you wish to develop in the near future. Use APA referencing style.
Rushton shares eight dimensions to support moral resilience.
- Foster self awareness
- Develop self-regulatory capacities
- Develop ethical competence
- Speak up with clarity and confidence
- Find meaning in the midst of despair
- Engage with others
- Participate in transformational learning
- Contribute to a culture of ethical practice.
- Using Ruston’s dimensions to support moral resilience, discuss how you can develop each of the three areas you identified in Question 1. Be sure to cite the dimension you are referencing. Minimum 600 words.