Investigating Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making Processes in Nursing Practice

Author Name: Rahul Panwar1, Mugdha Rahul Sharma2, Zinkal Patel3, Dr. D. Kavitha4, Dr. Nivethitha5, Monika Bhatia6

Volume: 03/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/04.2025-91134193/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1.  Nursing Tutor, Himalaya College of Nursing, Sparsh Himalaya University, Majri Doiwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
2. Sir. H.N. Hospital & Research Centre College of Nursing, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
3. Nursing Tutor (PG), Krishna School of Nursing, KPGU, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
4. Associate Professor, Mother Theresa Institute of Health Sciences, Pondicherry, India.
5. Professor, Mother Theresa Institute of Health Sciences, Pondicherry, India.
6. Associate Professor, Department of Nursing Education, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

Ethical dilemmas in nursing practice are an unavoidable aspect of healthcare, requiring professionals to balance patient autonomy, beneficence, legal considerations, and institutional policies. Nurses frequently encounter challenges related to end-of-life care, confidentiality, informed consent, and resource allocation, all of which demand ethical decision-making frameworks to ensure responsible practice. By integrating interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional ethical guidelines, and structured decision-making models, nurses can navigate complex ethical situations while maintaining professional integrity. Ethical awareness, ongoing education, and transparent communication play pivotal roles in fostering a culture of ethical sensitivity and accountability. This review contributes to the discourse on ethical challenges in healthcare by providing insights into how nurses apply ethical principles in clinical settings to safeguard patient welfare and uphold professional standards. Strengthening ethical competencies through training, institutional policies, and reflective practice can further enhance the ability of nurses to make sound ethical judgments in their daily interactions.

Key words: Ethical dilemmas, nursing ethics, decision-making frameworks, patient autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality, end-of-life care, resource allocation, professional integrity, interdisciplinary collaboration, moral distress, patient advocacy.