Ethical Decision-Making

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Ethical awareness is the first step in the ethical decision making process. “If a decision maker is to engage in ethical judgement processes that will eventually lead to ethical action, she or he must first recognize the ethical nature of the situation at hand” (Trevino & Nelson, 2011). In the case, Joe encounters an ethical quandary. Joe is taking care of a patient whom he is not supposed to leave unattended, however, he hears a staff member screaming in the hallway for help. The staff member is being attacked by large individual and she fears for the life of her baby. At this particular time, Joe is the only person who is nearby and who can offer help, yet he is in the process of bathing his patient. If Joe leaves his patient in the bathtub …show more content…

“With ethical awareness, a person recognizes that a situation or issue is on that raises ethical concerns and must be thought about in ethical terms” (Trevino & Nelson, 2011). Additionally, people are more likely to be ethically aware if they believe their peers will consider it to be ethically problematic; if ethical language is used to present the situation to the decision maker; and if the decision is seen as having the potential to produce serious harm to others (Trevino & Nelson, 2011). In Joe’s case, he fears what his peers and manager will say and he could potentially cause harm to his patient if he is left unattended. Joe fears what his peers or manager might say because he signed a document stating he would not leave a 1:1 patient alone and if he did it would be considered neglect. Moreover, it would be a violation and he could be …show more content…

“Most adults are at the conventional level of cognitive more development (level II) which means they aren’t autonomous decision makers who follow strictly follow an internal moral compass” (Trevino & Nelson, 2011). In this case, there is a policy that can guide in solving the ethical issues, but then it would lead to more difficulties for Joe. The staff member could lose her baby and this would make him feel like he is responsible. Therefore, if I was in the position of Joe, the option that I would choose here is to temporarily leave the patient alone and assist the staff member being attacked. Even if this is going against the policies, Joe can later explain to his manager the reasons behind his choice. Per Trevino and Nelson, the large majority of employees will look for guidance and end up doing what’s right if supported by their peers or manager (Trevino & Nelson,

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