Analyze the Ethical Principles in Conflict for Senior Staff Gerontology Nurse Kellie Peplau Relating to the Case of Patient Rex Ferguson

In order for society to function adequately, it is crucial that the facilities which contribute to the well-being of its members also function sufficiently; this would include health related facilities such as hospitals, and long term care centers. The case study presented explains the renovation and development of Manchester Health Center, and conflicts that arise in its expansion among professionals and patients. The restructuring of the center created a strain on many of the healthcare professionals and managers, as well as the clients and their families. A new policy had been introduced explaining that patients of the Gerontology unit who are not in need of active care are to be charged a $250.00 daily fee if they do not accept the discharge plan offered to them, and either return home or placed on a wait list for a long term care facility. This new plan was implemented in an attempt to increase the availability of beds and services for existing patients. In the case of patient Rex Ferguson, he feels stress and anxiety from being pressured to choose between being shortlisted to a long term care facility chosen by the hospital which would bring him away from his home and family, and paying a hefty daily fee.

This paper will critically analyze the ethical principles in conflict for Senior Staff Gerontology nurse Kellie Peplau relating to the case of patient Rex Ferguson. Furthermore, an ethical decision making framework will be used to successfully resolve the ethical dilemma at hand.

Providing an ethical code enables employees to use guidelines to assist in resolving conflict when faced with circumstances which are not covered by standard policies and procedures. Using a step-by-step framework of decision making allows for employees to consider the ethical standards involved when making decisions that affect them and those around them (De Janasz, Dowd, & Schneider, 2009). Using the framework "IDEA", (Identify, Determine, Explore, Act), we can determine the ethical solution for Kellie Peplau to engage in.

Step 1: Identify the Facts

This step would allow Kellie Peplau to identify the known and unknowns of the specific case. Facts would be outlined including medical indications, client preferences, quality of life, contextual features, and influences of stakeholders (Toronto Central Community Access Care, 2009). In this step, Kellie would take into account that the patient is of 90 years of age, has blindness, diabetes and chronic angina, and that her colleagues have indicated that his condition is significantly deteriorating. She should also consider the fact that imposing a $250.00 fee on the patient or pressuring him to relocate to a long term care facility would not only cause stress to the patient and his family due to financial restraints, but also negatively influence his quality of life as he requires assistance for daily living, and distance would increase