Dilemas éticos en estudiantes y profesionales de enfermería

Abstract

Introduction: Ethical dilemmas are defined as unexpected contradictory events that arise in the development of the functions of students and nurses in hospital care centers; the causes are lack of communication, shortage of knowledge by the students, and the consequences of these events negatively affect the performance of their activities and timely patient care. Objective: To conduct a literature review on the ethical dilemmas that arise in nursing students and professionals. Methodology: In the present research, a narrative literature review was performed in scientific databases: Scopus, Springer, Ovid, Taylor and Francis, PubMed, and Web of Science. A total of 53 scientific documents related to the research questions were obtained. Results and discussion: According to the research, some authors agree that ethical dilemmas are situations in which nursing students and professionals struggle between right and wrong, giving rise to moral anguish and conflict in their professional performance, so it is recommended to have a deep knowledge of ethical guidelines so that they have more tools when dilemmas arise. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the lack of communication, the lack of respect for the patient's rights and the use of physical restraint lead the nursing staff to be exposed to ethical conflicts, where they make their own decisions based on their knowledge and prejudices, being this a relevant strategy when facing conflicts. Keywords: Nursing, ethics, dilemmas, nurses, students