Analysis of an Ethical dilemma part #3 - Essay Example

Recommendation on Ethical Dilemma Recommendation on Ethical Dilemma Nurses are constantly facing complex medical cases that test their social values, morals, and professional ethics. Assisted suicide is one of the main complexities. The healthcare services are embracing a more patient-centered approach where patients can choose what to do with their health and life. However, the dilemma is the extent that a patient can practice autonomy, and whether nurses are obligated to assist in suicide.The American Nurses Association (2013) puts it clear that assisted euthanasia is against the nursing code of practice.

As such, nurses are supposed to desist from assisting patients in suicide. The role of nurses is to assist patients recover in line with the principle of beneficence. As such, assisting in euthanasia is in contrary to bioethics. In cases of a severe chronic disease, nurses should invoke personal values and professional ethics and propose palliative care rather than assisted euthanasia. Such moves show a pro-life policy that all nurses subscribe to.Severely ill patients have no capacity to make rational decisions regarding their health.

Thus, the nurse should take the role of advisors to show the patients the most rational method of dealing with their situations. The interview shows that the society is also against assisted euthanasia due to the wider effects. Social problems arise as a result of a voluntary death of family members. The nurses are also members of the society and share the same views. In this regard, they should strengthen the societal reliance and trust on the healthcare system. This can be done by abstaining from assisted euthanasia.

ReferenceAmerican Nursing Association. (2013). Position Statement: Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide and Aid in Dying. Retrieved from ANA website: http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/Ethics-Position-Statements/Euthanasia-Assisted-Suicide-and-Aid-in-Dying.pdf