Assignment Description
Professional Platform for Ethics and Leadership
The role of the health care professional includes being a moral agent or a person whose actions affect themselves and others at a moral level. It is important to have a personal ethic or moral framework in which you ground your practice and professional relationships. The purpose of this assignment is to explore and create a foundation for leadership and ethics in your professional practice.
Write a reflection on the nature, sources, and implications of your values, beliefs, and ethical perspectives that guide your personal life and nursing practice. Please note, grading is based on the clarity and depth of your writing and the apparent effort given the assignment, not on the rightness or wrongness of your position. You are encouraged to be honest in your self-assessments and conclusions.
Each of the following points must be addressed in your essay:
- Primary influences (childhood and adult)
- Ethical principles that influence you personally and professionally
- Ethical practice of professional nursing
- Ethical leadership and professional development plan. Include both positive and negative aspects of your character that emerge when you are in a position of authority
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 1500 to 2000 words total.
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. Your assignment should include at least two (2) scholarly sources PLUS the textbook.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In healthcare, an individual’s actions can influence many others at a moral level. Therefore, healthcare professionals must have a personal ethic or moral framework upon which their practice and professional relationships are based. The purpose of this assignment is for you to reflect on the nature, sources, and implications of your values, beliefs, and ethical perspectives and how they guide your personal and professional nursing practice.
Question 1: What are the primary influences on your ethical perspectives, including childhood and adult experiences?
Answer: There are several primary influences on my ethical perspectives, including my upbringing, cultural and religious beliefs, and personal experiences. As a child, my parents instilled in me the importance of honesty, integrity, and empathy towards others, which has greatly influenced my ethical perspectives. My religious upbringing has also shaped my views on morality and ethics. As an adult, my experiences in healthcare have further reinforced my faith in the importance of ethical behavior, such as the need to maintain confidentiality and treat all patients with dignity and respect.
Question 2: What ethical principles influence you personally and professionally?
Answer: The ethical principles that influence me personally and professionally include respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. As a healthcare professional, I believe that it is essential to prioritize the well-being of patients while also respecting their autonomy and right to make their own decisions. Additionally, I believe in non-maleficence or the principle of “do no harm.” Beneficence or the promotion of good is also an important ethical principle that influences my practice. Lastly, justice or the fair and equitable distribution of resources and care is essential to my ethical framework.
Question 3: How do you apply ethical practice in your professional nursing?
Answer: In my professional nursing practice, I apply ethical practice by ensuring that I maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patients, communicate effectively with patients and their families, and provide care that is respectful and compassionate. Additionally, I prioritize informed consent and ensure that patients fully understand their condition, the proposed treatment, and potential side effects. I also ensure that I do not engage in practices that may cause harm to patients, such as neglect or abuse.
Question 4: What is your ethical leadership and professional development plan, including both positive and negative aspects of your character that emerge in positions of authority?
Answer: My ethical leadership and professional development plan include ongoing professional education and training to improve my knowledge and skillset. Additionally, I aim to lead by example, demonstrating ethical behavior, and prioritizing patient care and safety. However, as a leader, I need to be aware of the negative aspects of my character, such as my tendency towards perfectionism and my fear of failure, which can interfere with my ability to delegate tasks and trust others. Therefore, I aim to work on improving my delegation and leadership skills to ensure that I create a positive work environment that prioritizes ethical behavior and patient care.
