Question: “Through reading the material and watching the video, does your organization have these any of these “focuses” in place? What is something that you, or your organization, could do better to promote an ethical and moral culture?” (Daniel, 2018)

Daniel, in response to your question, yes, my organization does have many of these “focuses” in place. I work in healthcare, specifically in a palliative care program as a nurse leader. I am fortunate to work with an extremely compassionate and authentic group of people. Higher level leadership and those that work with me directly are visible role models that foster an ethical culture through their behavior and actions on a daily basis. Also, moral culture is supported by how we are in tune to the ethical dimensions in situations, as we provide a service of care to others.

Additionally, ethical education is continuously integrated into how we practice, learn or reflect on the work we do. In healthcare, particularly nursing, our practice is guided by a code of ethics and our performance is measured according to these defined standards. We also have protective mechanisms in place such a proper grievance procedure and access to an ethics committee (Van Buren, 2013, 45:24).

As a patient care coordinator, one area that I can encourage ethical culture in my organization is around proper utilization of protective mechanisms. To expand on this, end of life care can present many ethical issues. Specifically, as we evaluate care intentions, we look a harm versus benefit and medical intervention in quality of life and dying. When confronted with difficult care decision, most commonly with patients unable to express their own wishes, using ethics committees to guide sound decision making is warranted. Ensuring that these services are consulted when ethical dilemmas exist is essential to support an ethical cultural towards the population we serve, especially in the healthcare field.

Daneen

Reference
Mrowe, D. (2018, November 5). Unit 7 Learning Activity 1, “Ethical Leadership.” Retrieved from https://create.twu.ca/danielsportfolio/2018/11/05/unit-7-learning-activity-1-ethical-leadership/

Van Buren, J, A. [BuildingCapacity] (2013, March 29). What is Ethical Leadership? [Video File]. Retrieved fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks2QGoIq5nA