Full Answer Section

Ethical Issue 2: Confidentiality

Confidentiality is another fundamental ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure. This ethical issue is also highly relevant to DNP-prepared nurses, who have access to a wide range of sensitive patient information.

In my own nursing practice, I have encountered several situations that have raised the issue of confidentiality. For example, I have had to deal with patients who have requested that their personal information be kept confidential from their families or other healthcare providers. In these situations, I have had to weigh the patient’s right to confidentiality against the need to share information with other providers in order to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.

Comparison of Ethical Challenges

The two ethical challenges I have discussed, informed consent and confidentiality, are both common in my own nursing practice. As a DNP-prepared nurse, I will continue to face these challenges, as well as other ethical challenges that are unique to advanced practice nursing. For example, DNP-prepared nurses may be asked to participate in research or to make decisions about the allocation of scarce resources.

In order to effectively address ethical challenges, DNP-prepared nurses must have a strong understanding of ethical principles and be able to apply them to real-world situations. They must also be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare providers about ethical issues.

I am committed to upholding ethical principles in my nursing practice and will continue to advocate for ethical healthcare delivery. I believe that DNP-prepared nurses have a responsibility to lead the way in promoting ethical practices in the healthcare field.