Using the Principles of Ethical Reasoning listed below, respond to the scenario below.
• Autonomy: promotes self-determination and freedom of choice
• Beneficence: actions are taken in an effort to promote good
• Nonmaleficence: actions are taken in an effort to avoid harm
• Paternalism: one individual assumes the right to make decisions for another
• Utility: the good of the many outweighs the wants or needs of the individual
• Justice: seek fairness; treat “equals” equally; and treat “unequal’s” according to their differences
Scenario:
Kimberly, a 40-year-old nurse on the night shift, has been with your facility for 15 years. Rumor has it that she has been consuming alcohol during the shift and/or arriving to her shift intoxicated. Peers report the odor of alcohol on her breath frequently, note excessive absences, and a recent spike in medication errors. The nurse supervisor walks in on Kimberly in the locker room and discovers her drinking from a flask. The supervisor confronted Kimberly in regards to drinking on the job, and Kimberly began to cry immediately. She admitted to consuming alcohol but claimed it was the first time she has done so at work. The supervisor sent Kimberly home and scheduled a conference with her the next day. During the conference Kimberly offered no explanation for her behaviors at work. A plan was devised to have Kimberly referred to the NCSBON Diversion Program and further outside counseling for her drinking. Three days later the supervisor was notified that Kimberly committed suicide the afternoon following the conference.
• Evaluate the problem-solving of the supervisor.
• Would your actions have differed if you were the manager?
• Are there conflicting legal and ethical obligations?
• What ethical principles are in jeopardy in this scenario?
• To whom does the manager have the greatest obligation- patient, subordinates, or the organization?
• Could the outcomes have been prevented?
• Does the outcomes reflect on the quality of the problem solving?
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