Ethical dilemma faced by whistleblower Homework Help

Question 1
Describe the ethical dilemmas seen in the article regarding the nurse
whistle-blower.
Question 2
What mechanisms are available for nurses use to with ethical dilemma’s in
their practice?

Answer:

Question 1

The main ethical dilemma presented in this case of a nurse who is a whistle blower is that she is obliged to report a doctor who she believes is guilty of malpractice, yet she knows that her action will have far reaching consequences such as losing her job, especially because she used her work computer. Confronted with this situation she makes up her mind to do what she feels is the right thing. She reports to the administrator, who does little or nothing about it. It is only then that she writes an anonymous letter to the Texas medical Board. Her action has dire consequences: facing felony charges in a court of law. She has a duty to protect patients from ill medical practices such as performing skin graft operations in the emergency room without surgical privileges and using unconventional remedies to treat patients. The dilemma she is presented with is whether she should fight for the patients’ rights or fight the rogue doctor who has powerful friends in places of power.

Question 2: Avenues at the disposal of nurses to deal with dilemmas at the work place

A few options are available for nurses to deal with ethical dilemmas. Though the administration in this case showed laxity in dealing with the matter, it is a good option for nurses to report such matters to the administrators. Secondly, medical boards are effective in dealing with ethical issues as that is what they are mandated to do. Reporting to such authorities will help to deal with these issues in one way or another. Filing anonymous complaints is another option. Turning to the state and national nurses association is very helpful. In this case these institutions have raised funds to defend the nurse.

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