Quick comment before with training from the teenager in the house, now able to go solo - hopefully.
Found the Keenan chapters interesting and readable which was great as I have found the ethics chapters in Johnson's rather like reading mud. My main interest has been the rooting of ethics and law in the cultural mores and based on the views and interests of the most powerful in society. With the discussion re the George Foreman scenario I had to look up "Advanced Directives" and as I thought a grey area legally.
Advance Directives and End of Life decisions are very much part of documentation and discussion in aged care and we tend to be very pragmatic about it. I realised that our pragmatism is not shared by all when working with overseas nurses. Some of them are shocked by our open discussion with clients asking their preferences/choices as this would not be acceptable in their culture.
Hi Alison
ReplyDeleteInteresting discussion about the ethics of talking about death and dying with patients, and the cultural norms of that. Culture affects our actions and thoughts and your noticing of what is acceptable in different cultures is valuable. It would be worthwhile talking to overseas nurses about their experiences, and why they shy away from these conversations, enlightening for you and them.
Thanks for raising this issue