DNP 840 Drawing on your nursing or nursing leadership experience, present an ethical dilemma you faced, how you would have used the ANA Code of Ethics as a guiding resource, and evaluate any gaps you would have noted in the ANA Code of Ethics that could have helped resolve this concern

Re: Topic 8 DQ 2 

As a student nurse I would always say that my ideal area of work was in pediatrics. This thought was so deep into my heart and soul that I made it a challenge to complete my extern in an inpatient pediatric department. The experience was absolutely everything that I imagined. Interest as a new grad I was offered a job in an outpatient facility who care for children who were part of the department refugee and resettlement program. It did not take me long to realized that this department was not well fitting for me, and I figured that wanted to work in the inpatient hospital setting. Surprisingly life circumstances placed me into a trauma certified adult inpatient setting versus pediatrics. I accepted the positions as I knew this could get me closed to my dream work setting since the hospital also has a pediatric department. After working in the adult setting for a few years I decided I would ask to be cross trained to back to pediatric department. The transition to an inpatient trauma certified inpatient pediatric unit was completely different from non-trauma pediatric setting. Several ethical scenarios were faced in day-to-day care which included but not limited to child maltreatment by neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and exposure to intimate partner violence. Jack et al (2021) mentions identifiable risk associated with child maltreatment include single parenthood, young maternal age, non-biological care givers, and low income or welfare assistance. As a nurse without the experience, it was a difficult environment to work in due to fear. I was afraid to miss potential abuse, or to wrongfully stereotype a situation.

The ANA code of ethics was a tool frequently used as a guiding source. It helped maximizing nurse- parent relationship to maximize the child’s safety, highlight parental strengths. However, there are some gaps that exist when addressing the pediatric population. Application in this population requires a special and mastered skill in psychology due to the nature and sensitivity of the population (Fehr et al., 2023). Health professionals must learn to care for the pediatric patient while having contact with the family who may have indirectly or directly caused harm. The innocence of a child learns to love despite the pain they have experienced, and those involved must first go under investigation prior to finding them guilty and or revoking custody.

References:

Fehr, K. K., Chambers, D. E., & VanderWoude, C. K. (2023). Ethics in pediatric psychology: Considerations for trainees transitioning to the medical setting. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 11(1), 108–119. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpp0000426