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Applying Ethical Principles
Capella University
NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Healthcare Perspectives
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Applying Ethical Principles
In the medical field, ethical issues arise daily, and one must carefully balance one’s
personal beliefs and professional responsibility. Personal beliefs and professional responsibility
balance each other; if one were to gain more than the other, it could easily tip the balance. The
four pillars of ethical principles—justice, beneficence, autonomy, and non-maleficence—allow
for the foundation of ethical decision-making to keep everything in its place. Integrating these
four principles allows for an analytical framework to function as a guidebook for healthcare
professionals and to solve complex situations involving patients.
Overview of Case Study
This case study focuses on Amelia Brooks, an experienced nurse in the medical field
known for her commitment to patient care at Riverside Medical Center. However, when Sophia
Turner, a 24-year-old female graduate student, came to the facility and opted for an elective
abortion, Amelia’s ethical dilemma began when Dr. Rebecca Martin, the leading obstetrician,
, came and asked for help with this procedure. Amelia has hesitated in answering this request
because of having deep-seated beliefs against abortion from a religious upbringing. She cannot
help but feel that taking part in this procedure would affect her deeply held morals and violate
her conscience. However, Amelia recognizes her professional responsibility to provide care
without judgment on the patient’s decision and allow the patient’s autonomy. The principle of
freedom, in this case, applies to both Sophia and Amelia. Under the guise of professional
responsibility, it ensures professionalism and standards of care from the nurse. As stated before,
non-maleficence means not to harm; Amelia struggles with this concept of harm within this
Applying Ethical Principles
Capella University
NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Healthcare Perspectives
2
Applying Ethical Principles
In the medical field, ethical issues arise daily, and one must carefully balance one’s
personal beliefs and professional responsibility. Personal beliefs and professional responsibility
balance each other; if one were to gain more than the other, it could easily tip the balance. The
four pillars of ethical principles—justice, beneficence, autonomy, and non-maleficence—allow
for the foundation of ethical decision-making to keep everything in its place. Integrating these
four principles allows for an analytical framework to function as a guidebook for healthcare
professionals and to solve complex situations involving patients.
Overview of Case Study
This case study focuses on Amelia Brooks, an experienced nurse in the medical field
known for her commitment to patient care at Riverside Medical Center. However, when Sophia
Turner, a 24-year-old female graduate student, came to the facility and opted for an elective
abortion, Amelia’s ethical dilemma began when Dr. Rebecca Martin, the leading obstetrician,
, came and asked for help with this procedure. Amelia has hesitated in answering this request
because of having deep-seated beliefs against abortion from a religious upbringing. She cannot
help but feel that taking part in this procedure would affect her deeply held morals and violate
her conscience. However, Amelia recognizes her professional responsibility to provide care
without judgment on the patient’s decision and allow the patient’s autonomy. The principle of
freedom, in this case, applies to both Sophia and Amelia. Under the guise of professional
responsibility, it ensures professionalism and standards of care from the nurse. As stated before,
non-maleficence means not to harm; Amelia struggles with this concept of harm within this
