Ethics is a crucial concept that drives the growth and development of nursing practice. Therefore, it is an important element that guides strategic goals, short and long-term goals of a workplace environment (Friesen, 2005). It refers to rules that govern the general conduct and operations of a particular organization. Nursing ethics take different forms which are usually applied at all levels and stages of operation and management. In ER, the ethical principle based on justice ensures that patients are fairly treated without any element of abuse to their basic rights. Hence, fair application of justice across the board is the most outstanding ethical principle within a healthcare setting.
it is not possible to act in a moral manner if the ethical principle of justice is absent. Ethical theorists posit that justice is a central pillar that builds cohesive work practices alongside anchoring development. One of the ideologies that can be used in nursing practice is the Kantian theory (Darwall, 2003). The theory heavily inclines towards duty instead of the results. In other words, justice as an integral ethical principle depends on how individuals execute their roles and responsibilities. The ethical principle of justice highlights the importance of actions that may lead to the anticipated outcomes. This theory can aid nurses in ensuring moral behavioral patterns when discharging various roles and responsibilities.
Nursing is a profession that has been greatly shaped by the historical orientation of both focus and differentiation. The latter has witnessed a major transformation in the way nurses discharge their roles. The historical and current roles of nurses significantly determine the difference in service delivery within the healthcare sector. The latter also dictates the success or failure rate of any healthcare practice. Nursing has indeed become a very central healthcare profession that defines and fosters primary and secondary delivery of healthcare across all levels of society. In practice, contemporary nurses are viewed as experienced professionals who have the ability to make informed decisions when handling patients. Hence, it is crucial to mention that patients spend a lot of time with nurses either at the healthcare units or within the community. The close relationship between nurses and patients has facilitated the process of decision-making among these healthcare professionals (Friesen, 2005).
Darwall (2003) indicates that ethical dilemmas arise when there is a lack of surety or certainty on the appropriateness of decisions presumed by nurses. Therefore, it is important for individuals to undertake an intrinsic assessment of their decisions. The latter scenario also explains why there has been several disagreements on the application of ethical procedures in nursing. Nonetheless, business ethics scholars hold the opinion that every business entity should adhere to the laid down guidelines and ethical procedures when performing various roles and responsibilities. Questions still arise on whether business ethics is gradually fading away from the most workplace environments. This thinking pattern has been worsened by the notion that integrity does not exist in most nursing practices.
On a final note, justice is crucial in guiding the society how to live in an orderly manner. Respect for the rule of law makes it quite easy to make ethical decisions even if the roles of nurses have transformed over the years. In addition, justice ensures fair treatment of patients. In the case of patients suffering from acute and chronic diseases, the ethical principle of justice facilitates proper delivery of care.
References
Darwall, S. (2003). Virtue Ethics. Oxford, NY: Wiley.
Friesen, N. (2005). Mind and machine: ethical and epistemological implications for research. New York: Wiley & Sons, Inc.