Topic: Ethical Dilemmas faced in Psychiatric Nursing

Description: [?]
A 1500 word essay (excluding references) within which students will be expected to describe, explore, argue and apply some of the major ethical positions/approaches to specific practice related ethical dilemmas encountered in their P/MH nursing. ”
There are three major components in this essay:

1. First, you describe the ethical dilemmas you have encountered.

2. Second, you identify why you think these are ethical dilemmas. I notice that previously most of people focused on your own perspectives, but in the essay I would like to see you discuss this issue from different or opposite angles.

3. Third, you will apply some ethical theories you’ve learned to these arguments. Again, I would like to see you consider/present different theories in your argument before you conclude your beliefs/stance. It is important that you demonstrate a good understanding of the theories, which may require extra reading and referencing. Then you may choose your own stance and provide the reasons. I encourage you to further identify and challenge yourself why you are influenced by certain theories.
The expectation is that the student demonstrates their course knowledge and applies this knowledge. “describe, explore, argue and apply some of the major ethical approaches.”

The best way to achieve this may be to look at one or two ” specific practice related ethical dilemmas encountered in their psychiatric / mental health nursing ” and analyze them with a number of the different ethical positions that students are exposed to within the course content.

Any ethical dilemma relating to psychiatric nursing is appropriate and the list of possibilities is vast. For guidance here are a few taken from the course outline and beyond.
Consent to treatment and informed consent in psychiatry.
Forced administration of psychotropic medication.
The use of seclusion rooms.
The use of physical control and restraint.
The use of nurses holding powers.
Power issues in psychiatric nursing.
Collaborative approaches to care within mental health.
Ethical issues within psycho dynamic approaches in psychiatric nursing / bio-medical approaches.
A wide range of ethical issues related to the medications.

Examples of ethical concepts to consider.

Patient autonomy.
Choice.
Empowerment.
Honesty / truth telling.
Stigmatization and labeling.
Professional Boundaries.
Beneficient deception.
Slippery slope argument. ( as a means of maintaining the status quo ? ).

Examples of Major ethical theories.
Utilitarianism.
Bio-ethics.
Deontology.
Virtue Ethics.
Natural Law.
Kantianism.
Existential Theories.