Ethical Decision-Making among Intensive Care Unit and Operating Room Nurses: A Study on Knowledge and Skill

Nursing leaders play a crucial role in evaluating and managing professional nurse-patient relationship boundaries, which can be challenging and complex. The importance of ethical decision-making cannot be overstated, as it is essential for ensuring the well-being of patients and upholding the principles of nursing practice.

A recent study published in Arc Health Sci Res 2020 7(2): 129-36 investigated the knowledge and skill of nursing leaders in ethical decision-making. The mixed methods explanatory sequential design study found that nurses were familiar with ethical dilemmas, but their ability to make average ethical decisions was affected by environmental factors.

The study analyzed data from a sample of 232 nurses working in operating rooms and intensive care units at three different hospitals. The results showed that the Principle Thinking point average of 45.60☗.45 and the Practical Considerations point average of 21.09±4.23 were rated as medium level, indicating an average understanding of ethical decision-making principles.

Interestingly, the study found significant differences in Familiarity score averages among nurses based on their duration of work experience and place of work. Furthermore, the average Principle Thinking points differed significantly according to the educational status of the nurses. Practical Consideration scores were also found to be affected by gender and place of work.

The findings of this study emphasize the need for nursing education programs to prioritize teaching ethical decision-making skills. In-service training programs should also focus on developing nurses' ability to make informed, principled decisions in complex situations.

In conclusion, while nurses may be familiar with ethical dilemmas, their capacity for average ethical decision making is influenced by environmental factors and requires further development. By recognizing the importance of ethical decision-making and providing targeted education and training, we can improve the quality of care provided by nurses and ultimately benefit patients.

Source: Rizalar S, Baltacı N, Yıldızeli Topçu S, Sanioğlu G. Ethical Decision-Making among Intensive Care Unit and Operating Room Nurses. Arc Health Sci Res 2020 7(2): 129-36.

Ethical decision making in nursing