Paper Example on Ethical Theories in Nursing

Introduction

Ethical theories in nursing provide a basis whereby nurses can consult and make a well informed decision (Chonko, 2016). Every theory has a different point of view and tackles different issues but all of them have one goal in mind and that is to provide guidance on how to make the best decision ethically. Patients expect to be given the best care available when they go to hospitals therefore it is the responsibility of nurses to have the best interests of the patient in mind and always act in their benefit. Ethical theories aid in the initial identification of moral dilemma, they also assist in the analysis process of the problem and eventually provide guidelines on how to solve the dilemma (Chonko, 2016). Knowing these ethical theories is crucial for all nurses as it helps them defend their decisions and also gives them confidence in everything they choose to do.

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Deontology Theory

The theory states that people should do what they are supposed to do without fail as this is considered to be ethically correct. The theory has both advantages and disadvantages and one of the flaws is that deciding on duties for everyone is not logical since people's decision to do the things that they do is dependent on them. Decisions made by individuals adhering to this law are very consistent since the person believes in performing their duties diligently (Chonko, 2016).

Utilitarian Ethical Theory

This theory is based on one's ability to predict the possible outcome of the decisions that they have made. The decision that is beneficial to everybody is usually the decision that an individual following this theory will make. Chonko (2016) describes two types of utilitarianism, one is "act utilitarianism" which basically aims and ensuring that the decision made is of benefit to all. "Rule utilitarianism" talks more about the law and how the decision though beneficial to everybody, has to be fair and just. The downside to this theory is that no one can be certain that the decision they have made will have benefits. In nursing, if a person decides to make a utilitarian decision, they might experience unwanted outcomes which might not be beneficial to all and hence they may appear unethical (Chonko, 2016).

Natural Law Theory

The theory was championed by Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) as seen in the writings of the Roman Catholics (Butts & Rick, 2008). The law puts effort on the laws of nature and also God who is portrayed as the law giver. The law argues that morality is not as a result of customs or traditions but rather as a result of inbuilt intellects that human beings have. People who follow this theory believe that anything that is against their views like homosexuality is therefore immoral and should not be done (Butts & Rick, 2008).

Critical Theory

The theory was put forth by a group of professors from the Institute for Social Research in the University of Frankfurt in Germany (Diaz et al, 2014). Karl Max further explains the theory as creating clarity in self which had a huge political impact over the years until when later on a group of Neo-Marxist theorists looked into the same theory but from an economic point of view (Diaz et al, 2014). This theory prompts nurses not to focus on the old ways of determining health by lack of signs and symptoms of a disease, but to become more proactive and observe and identify social inequalities and formulate ways on how to best treat their patients. The theory aims at clearly differentiating between assumptions and what is really going on in the society. This results in a society that participates and manages their healthcare (Diaz et al, 2014).

In my nursing practice, the decisions that I make when faced with a problem, are majorly based on my past experiences with a similar issue and how I best handled that issue. The Utilitarian Ethical Theory is the principle that I often use to help back up the decisions that I make in my carrier. It is very crucial to make decisions that will be beneficial to all the parties involved as stated in the Utilitarian Theory. Usually being certain about the possible outcomes of the decisions that one makes is not always possible but a certain assurance comes when one knows that the decision they have made is the best one for everyone.

Conclusion

All these theories help to guide nurses on how best to handle ethical questions that arise to the decisions that they make and also gives them confidence that the decisions they make are well informed and are the right ones. From the Deontology theory that encourages people to do what they are supposed to at all times to the Utilitarian theory that points out the ability to predict possible outcomes of the decisions that one makes for the betterment of all parties involved, the Natural Law theory and mentions the presence of God in nature as the life giver and also the inbuilt intuitions that everyone has that assists in making decisions and lastly the Critical theory that encourages us to be proactive and detect social changes so as to make the best decisions when it comes to healthcare. All these theories and laws need to be implemented as they assist nurses in making ethical decisions that they are able to stand by even when queried.

References

Diaz, A.M et al (2014). Critical Theory and its Contribution to the Nursing Discipline. Invest Educ Enferm. Pp 356-363.

Butts, J.B, & Rick, K.L (2008). Nursing Ethics: Across the Curriculum and into Practice. Review online journal of health ethics. http://dx.doi.org/10.18785/ojhe.0202.02Chonko, L. (2016). Ethical Theories. University of Texas at Arlington