Running head: ETHICAL FRAMEWORK

Patients' Equal Rights to Respect, Honesty, and Autonomy

Ethical Framework
JoAnne Saba
California State University, Stanislaus

ETHICAL FRAMEWORK

Patients' Equal Rights to Respect, Honesty, and Autonomy

Everyone has fundamental beliefs that they follow in order to deal with difficult
situations. Nurses, in particular, must draw upon their own beliefs and ethical framework in
order to handle the ethical decisions that they frequently face. Throughout this paper, I will
explore my own personal beliefs and ethical framework, and how I apply them to my nursing
practice.

Everybody deserves to be treated respectfully and equally regardless of race, gender, age,
beliefs, and background

Though, I may not agree with the beliefs of others, they still have the right to autonomy
and can choose which course of treatment they desire

Nurses should be straightforward and honest with their patients at all times by telling
them the truth about their condition, procedures they will endure, and the medications
they receive.
My ideals are most in accord with the ethical theory of Deontology. I believe that people

should work without exceptions. Rules and guidelines are created for a purpose and they should
be followed as such. It is unfair to exempt one person from a rule just because of their partiular
situation.
Deontology ultimately works around the principal that everyone has a set of duties which
they always adhere to, independent of the situation (A. Aleman, personal communication,
3/8/2014). As a nurse, our duty is to take care of patients to the best of our ability to ensure that
their condition improves and to provide them with adequate information so they can make
informed decisions about their course of treatment. We must provide each patient with the same
level care and respect without exception. Also, even if we do not agree with certain treatments,

ETHICAL FRAMEWORK

it is important that we are always considerate of the patients their values, beliefs, and needs.
Even if we would not have chosen the same action, we have the obligation to inform patients of
every alternative.
My ethical framework is as follows: I will offer all of my patients with the same degree
of care despite of their race, gender, age, or diagnosis. Each person will get the same amount of
honesty, integrity, information, and quality of care from me for the duration of their hospital
stay.
I have witnessed my ethical framework in practice while staying with my grandfather in
the hospital. My paternal grandparents are Middle Easter immigrants and Jehovah's Witnesses,
which prohibits them to receive any treatment that involves blood. As he grew older, his kidney
function declined and his need for dialysis increased. Through his nurse knew that he would
decline treatment, she still educated him on the benefits and consequences that could result
according to his actions. She was patient and showed no bias as she spoke with us. She was
factual to ensure that we were aware of what to expect with each of the options.
The nurse provided our family with just as much information as she would have any
other patient who would have accepted dialysis. She was considerate of their religious
differences and language barrier as well. Throughout his stay, this nurse was always respectful
of this needs and worked in a fashion that was conducive to his knowledge and understanding.