Question

how has morality and ethics affected your work as a nurse?

Answer 1

Mortality and Ethics:
As a nurse present during medical aid in dying I promote patient dignity as well as symptom relief, comfort and emotional support to the patient and family.As a nurse I maintain confidentiality and privacy in the aid in dying process.
The nursing priorities in the management of a dying patient are
- recognising that someone is dying
- communicating sensitivity with them and their family.
- involving them in decision making
- supporting them and their family
- creating an individual plan of care which includes adequate nutrition and hydration.
It is very challenging situation for a nurse in this sensitive situation.
The role of a nurse during the active dying phase is to support the patient and family by educating them on what might they expect to happen during this time, addressing their questions and concerns honestly,being an active listener and providing emotional support and guidance.
A nurse cries when their patients die and rejoice in lives that are saved. However, many people do not see this but see our profession as cold and uncaring. At the same time, they expect us to be strong.
Nurses are at the bedside during the dying process; they spend entire shifts with the patient  and families, they develop trusting relationships, and they are competent to assess patient and family needs so a nurse's role is a very difficult and challenging one when it comes to Mortality and Ethics.