RNSG 1137 Ethical/Legal Precepts/Health Information Technology

Question 1 A nurse has been offered a position on an obstetric unit and has learned that the unit offers therapeutic abortions, a procedure which contradicts the nurse's personal beliefs. What is the nurse's ethical obligation to these patients? The nurse should adhere to professional standards of practice and offer service to these patients. The nurse should make the choice to decline this position and pursue a different nursing role. "To avoid facing ethical dilemmas, nurses can follow certain strategies. For example, when applying for a job, a nurse should ask questions regarding the patient population. If a nurse is uncomfortable with a particular situation, then not accepting the position would be an option. Denial of care, or providing substandard nursing care to some members of society, is not acceptable nursing practice" (Hinkle, 2013, p. 30). The nurse should decline to care for the patients considering abortion. The nurse should express alternatives to women considering terminating their