Running head: PERSONAL BELIEFS 1

Personal Beliefs and Ethical Considerations

Lauren T. Kalanta

California State University, Stanislaus

Personal Beliefs and Ethical Considerations

PERSONAL BELIEFS 2

Ethical considerations are an integral part of a nurse's profession. A nurse's core beliefs

can influence the way in which a nurse provides care to patients. It is a nurse's duty to mingle

ethics and core beliefs into an effective and harmonious relationship that will not negatively

affect patient outcomes within the clinical setting. In this paper, I will define my own core

beliefs, discuss the ethical principles that are guided by my ethical framework, and establish how

these concepts interact within clinical situations.

Core Beliefs

The principles taught to me during my childhood have helped me to form the core beliefs

that I maintain to this day. I was heavily influenced by my parents and was taught to be tolerant

of others; even if I do not agree with their choices or beliefs. My father, who was homeless for

several years prior to his career, encouraged me to never underestimate or criticize another

person. Throughout my life, I have encountered many situations that I did not agree with, but

have remained tolerant and open-minded. I believe that every person should practice tolerance

towards others; however, I do not believe that acceptance and tolerance have the same

application. I feel that tolerance should be universally practiced, while acceptance is a personal

choice that is catered to the individual. Throughout my nursing experiences, I will maintain and

hold true to my beliefs, but my actions will be guided by ethical principles.

Ethical Concept

The four ethical principles that are used daily in healthcare are autonomy, veracity,

beneficence and justice (Finkelman & Kenner, 2016, p. 175). Stemming from my personal

beliefs, I identify with autonomy the most and believe this principle to be the most essential of

the four due to its involvement in making the patient the ultimate decision maker (Finkelman &

Kenner, 2013, p. 175). Autonomy is defined by Finkelman and Kenner (2016) as, the quality or
PERSONAL BELIEFS 3

state of being self-governing; the freedom to act on what you know (p. 507). As a nurse, it will

be my duty to inform the patient of every possible option, to give them the freedom of letting

them choose the option that they desire, and to support the patient with whatever decision is

chosen (Finkelman & Kenner, 2016, p. 175). In order to perform my duty properly, I will use the

nursing principle of autonomy along with my own personal beliefs to build an ethical framework

to help guide me throughout my nursing career.

Ethical Framework

The ethical framework that will guide my actions as a nurse is a combination of my

personal beliefs and the ethical principle of autonomy. This ethical framework allows me to help

patients make informative decisions about their health outcomes. It will remind me that my own

personal belief of practicing tolerance should be applied to all situations; even in situations that I

disagree with. As described by Finkelman and Kenner (2016), It is not the role of the nurse to

argue with the patient, but rather to act as the patient's advocate, respecting their choice (p.

175). I may not always agree with the decisions that my patients makes but my ethical

framework will guide me to make the correct decision of allowing my patients to practice

autonomy. By utilizing my ethical framework as my guide, I will be able to have a strong

foundation within a clinical situation.

Clinical Situation

Ethical dilemmas are often present within clinical situations (Finkelman and Kenner,

2016, p. 175). There may be times during my career that I will have to rely on my ethical

framework when faced with a difficult decision. For example, I may need to not intervene by

resuscitating an oxygen deprived patient if they have signed and consented to a do not resuscitate

(DNR) order. Being the person that I am and having the background that I have, I feel an
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obligation to help others and provide care. In the moment, I may not agree with the patient's

choice to not receive care, but I must consider my belief of tolerance and the ethical principle of

autonomy . I will remember my personal belief that everyone should practice tolerance of others

and that, even in times of disagreement, my patient has the right to maintain autonomy and make

their own decisions. By intertwining my beliefs and the ethical principle of autonomy, I will be

able to provide care in a manner that is respectful of my patient's wishes.

Throughout this paper, I have explained my core beliefs, the ethical principle that I

identify with the most, and how they are both joined within my ethical framework. This

framework is born from my personal belief that everyone should practice tolerance and that

autonomy is essential when providing care. In times of trial in clinical seeting, I can reflect upon

my own core beliefs and apply them to my ethical framework while adhering to the ethical

principle of autonomy. In conclusion, my core beliefs and ethical considerations are what mold

my ethical framework and allow me to administer the best care patient care possible.

Reference

Finkelman, A., & Kenner, C. (2016). Professional nursing concepts: Competencies for quality

leadership (ed. 3. p. 174-507). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.