Canada is the first country to permit nurse practitioners to provide euthanasia. Assisted dying legislation has been introduced in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand health systems.
From the perspectives of your nursing practice specialization (nurse executive leader, nurse practitioner, and nurse educator), propose both a pro and con decision for nurses to consider as they reflect upon the law versus ethics versus morals to their participation in euthanasia, a contemporary societal issue of significance for nursing practice.
Directions:
1. Write an introduction on euthanasia and the differences between legal, ethical, and moral issues.
2. Identify the laws of your state and country pertaining to euthanasia.
3. Construct a pro decision to permit the APN/APRN to provide euthanasia which includes the following:
o Select an ethical or moral theory reflecting your thought process.
o Integrate ethical or moral principles defending the decision.
4. Construct a con decision to permit the APN/APRN to provide euthanasia which includes the following:
o Select an ethical or moral theory reflecting your thought process.
o Integrate ethical or moral principles defending the decision.
5. Select relevant American Nurses Association or your specialty nursing association codes of ethics that apply to the APN/APRN role.
6. Take an ethical or moral stance based upon your pro or con decision addressing how your stance will impact population health.
7. Provide recommendations to address APN/APRN moral distress which support ethical conduct in practice and scholarship.
8. Write a conclusion presenting key takeaways.