Current Issues in Nursing: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

  Ethical dilemmas are some of the most difficult struggles we face in healthcare. We are confronted with decisions about what is right, fair, kind and just (Ulrich, 2012). Being ethical involves, not only a formal code of ethics, but also the infusion of personal virtues and ideals. Differing personal values can create conflict between two ethically sound individuals (Ulrich, 2012). Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are increasingly being legalized and there is great debate over this legalization, creating an ethical dilemma for those in the medical profession (O’Rourke, et al., 2017). Decision Making Model The decision-making model used to arrive at my position about euthanasian and assisted suicide is the model presented by Ogershok (2002) on page 48 of the article “An integrated ethical decision-making model for nurses” (Park, 2012). There are 6 steps presented in this model. These steps are: 1.Identify the existence of an ethical dilemma or situation. 2.Gather and analyze relevant information. 3.Clarify personal values and moral position. 4.Based on stage 2 & 3 determine options. 5.Make a responsible collaborative decision and take action. 6.Evaluate the effect of the action taken