Addressing suicide among nurses
In the hospital where I work, a medical error contributed to a patient’s death. Unfortunately, a nurse committed suicide after this tragic event. Our…
From the Ethics Inbox
Ethical challenges in enforcing dress codes
I’ve seen some backlash on social media after our organization issued a dress code policy that addressed hairstyle. I know policies that are restrictive…
Using large language models in nursing education
I’m a nurse educator and realize that artificial intelligence (AI) crossing over into the academic environment via ChatGPT and other chatbots affects how we…
Considering profit priorities in healthcare
How is it ethical that healthcare systems are making multimillion dollar profits when funds remain desperately needed at the bedside and beyond? This article…
Addressing gun violence in America
After the latest mass shooting, my nurse colleague and I disagreed about what needs to be done to address gun violence. What guidance does…
Implementing safe discharges for patients without homes
A recently discharged elderly homeless patient died near the hospital in which I work. We’re discharging more elderly patients to the streets because shelter…
The unintended consequences of workplace violence policies
I work in pediatric acute care in a racially diverse setting. I’m worried about an emerging pattern
regarding our organization’s zero-tolerance policy involving workplace…
Responding during an active shooter situation
One of the hospitals in our system recently
experienced an active shooter. The nursing
staff reached out to our ethics team
expressing concerns that…
Navigating competing ethical and civil-legal obligations
I’m a school nurse at an elementary school where I’ve cared for a student with an ongoing illness who now has been enrolled in…
Conflict about pain relief at the end of life
I have a cousin who was diagnosed 5 months ago with end-stage liver cancer. The cancer has progressed at a rapid pace, and as…
Rising to the challenge of self-care
I’ve worked in a hospital as a nurse for the past couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trying to balance my family and…
The impact of restrictive laws on patient care
The polarized conflict surrounding healthcare for
certain populations has created an environment of rapid and significant change in laws across the
country. This intersection…
Addressing suicide among nurses
In the hospital where I work, a medical error contributed to a patient’s death. Unfortunately, a nurse committed suicide after this tragic…
Ethical challenges in enforcing dress codes
I’ve seen some backlash on social media after our organization issued a dress code policy that addressed hairstyle. I know policies that…
Using large language models in nursing education
I’m a nurse educator and realize that artificial intelligence (AI) crossing over into the academic environment via ChatGPT and other chatbots affects…
Considering profit priorities in healthcare
How is it ethical that healthcare systems are making multimillion dollar profits when funds remain desperately needed at the bedside and beyond?…
Addressing gun violence in America
After the latest mass shooting, my nurse colleague and I disagreed about what needs to be done to address gun violence. What…
Implementing safe discharges for patients without homes
A recently discharged elderly homeless patient died near the hospital in which I work. We’re discharging more elderly patients to the streets…
The unintended consequences of workplace violence policies
I work in pediatric acute care in a racially diverse setting. I’m worried about an emerging pattern
regarding our organization’s zero-tolerance policy…
Responding during an active shooter situation
One of the hospitals in our system recently
experienced an active shooter. The nursing
staff reached out to our ethics team
expressing…
Navigating competing ethical and civil-legal obligations
I’m a school nurse at an elementary school where I’ve cared for a student with an ongoing illness who now has been…
Conflict about pain relief at the end of life
I have a cousin who was diagnosed 5 months ago with end-stage liver cancer. The cancer has progressed at a rapid pace,…
Rising to the challenge of self-care
I’ve worked in a hospital as a nurse for the past couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trying to balance my…
The impact of restrictive laws on patient care
The polarized conflict surrounding healthcare for
certain populations has created an environment of rapid and significant change in laws across the
country.…