Ethical Issues Concept Map

Purpose of the Assignment: The purpose of the assignment is to provide the student with an opportunity to analyze an ethical issue in healthcare. An ethical decision-making model will be used along with application of ethical principles and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses.

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Student Approach to Assignment: I chose this assignment because it honestly made me feel something. The situation involved an older man with Alzheimer’s who was left sitting in soiled briefs for hours, and it really bothered me. It reminded me why I got into nursing in the first place—to care for people, especially those who can’t speak up for themselves. Reading and thinking through this case helped me realize how even the smallest decisions can affect a patient’s dignity and comfort. It also made me reflect on how important it is to speak up and do the right thing, even if it’s hard or inconvenient. This activity taught me that being a nurse isn’t just about tasks—it’s about compassion, advocacy, and doing right by your patient.

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Reason for Inclusion of the Assignment in the Portfolio: I decided to include this assignment in my portfolio because it really stuck with me. It reminded me of the kind of nurse I want to be—one who doesn’t cut corners and who always puts the patient first, even when the job gets hard. This experience helped me understand what it means to advocate for patients and stay true to my values. It pushed me to think deeply about what ethical care really looks like, and it’s one of those moments in nursing school that made me feel more confident about the kind of nurse I’m becoming.

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• Domain 1: Knowledge For Nursing Practice

  • (1) Identify concepts derived from theories from nursing and other disciplines which distinguish the practice of nursing.

    • Working through this assignment helped me connect the dots between what I’ve learned in class and what it actually looks like in real life. I didn’t just apply ethical theories like autonomy and nonmaleficence—I also connected with my culture and what nursing means to me personally. The Vietnamese saying “Luong y nhu thu mau,” meaning "healthcare workers are gentle mothers," really helped me reflect on the kind of nurse I want to be. I’ve come to see nursing as more than just a job with skills—it’s a calling that’s rooted in knowledge, compassion, and care. This experience showed me how nursing is different from other fields because it blends science with heart.

• Domain 5: Quality and Safety

  • (16) Identify sources and applications of national safety and quality standards and hospital standards of practice to guide nursing practice.

    • Before this assignment, I didn’t fully realize how much we rely on professional standards like the ANA Code of Ethics to guide us. I’ve learned that these codes aren’t just guidelines—they’re what help keep patients safe and cared for with respect. In this situation, I looked at Provisions 1, 2, and 6, which helped me understand how important it is to act when care falls short. Provision 2 especially reminded me that the patient should always come first, no matter what’s going on around us. This experience taught me that national standards give us the tools we need to make ethical and safe decisions—and now I feel more confident using them in real situations.

• Domain 9: Professionalism 

  • (41) Apply principles of professional nursing ethics and human rights in patient care and professional situations.

    • This assignment really opened my eyes to how important it is to speak up and protect my patients, especially when they can’t do it for themselves. In the ethical situation I reflected on, the patient was vulnerable and left in soiled briefs for hours. That honestly made me upset—it didn’t feel right, and it reminded me how easy it is to overlook the basics when things get busy. But I learned that ethics isn’t just about the big decisions—it’s about everyday actions. I connected this to nonmaleficence and autonomy, and I also learned how the ANA Code of Ethics, like Provision 1 and 2, helps guide us to do what’s right. This assignment made me realize that as a nurse, I have the responsibility to advocate and take action when my patient’s dignity is at risk.

• Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development

  • (43) Demonstrates accountability for one’s own professional practice.

    • This assignment really helped me grow. It challenged me to think about what kind of nurse I want to be—and more importantly, what kind of nurse my patients need me to be. I learned that even if I’m tired or overwhelmed, I still have to show up and advocate for the people I’m caring for. It made me realize that taking care of someone is about more than just completing tasks—it’s about being present and responsible. Reflecting on the situation made me hold myself accountable. I saw that even in hard moments, I want to be the nurse who doesn’t make excuses and always puts the patient first. I feel like I grew a lot just from thinking deeply about this experience.