CONFLICT

Gilligan was a student of Developmental Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, who introduced the theory of stages of moral development. Gilligan, however, felt as though her mentor’s theory did not adequately address the gender differences of moral development due to the fact that participants in Kohlberg’s study were predominately male and because his theory did not include the caring perspective. Gilligan produces her own stage theory of moral development for women. She also argued that males and females socialize differently and females have the tendency to stress interpersonal relationship and take responsibility for the well-being of others. Typically, females are more caring and have a moral perspective that focuses on a personal relationship. Both psychologists identify the diversity of moral based on the gender of human. Kohlberg assesses males, while Gillian assessed the females. (Reference the text book.) In the paragraph, I will discuss how the importance of moral reasoning and courage and its importance to conflict management as a nurse. Conflict is inevitable in this professional, it can be either with patient, colleagues, patient’s family members, and doctors. As a female nurse, I am confident of my caring nature which is the main reason I went into this profession. There a case of a patient who was very rude, non-compliant and uncooperative. Whenever I went to treat her, she will say terrible and unpleased words to me. Despite all, I was still care and kind to her despite how intractable she was. Entering this particular patient’s room was a nightmare for the 5 days I worked with her. Because of my moral uprightness and oath to the board of nursing to advocate for my patient, I persevered, show this patient kindness and compassion the best possible way I can. I tried to circumvent any argument with this patient and I was professional all the way. I consider this as morally upright and courage which are very important skills for health care workers especially nurses who encounter difficult patient daily. I see myself as patient advocacy who stand up, support, protect and work with my patient closely in a professional manner to ensure they get the best treatment and outcome. I do my best to make the safest decision for my patients. This particular patient liked another nurse because she promotes her wrong behavior. I approached that particular nurse about this patient. This preferred nurse stated that she doesn’t bother to ensure the patient takes her medicine or force her to do anything. Once the patient refuses, she immediately walks out of the room. When the patient refuses her medicine, she will leave the medicines on her bedside table and return later to pack if the patient doesn’t take her medication. I wanted to report this but was afraid to do so. Since the patient and I are not in good terms despite all I effort to be kind to her. I gently encouraged the nurse to be the patient’s advocate by ensuring the patient takes his meds as scheduled. She verbalized understanding but never changed her approach towards this patient. She was still indifferent and nonchalant towards this patient especially with her medications. I confronted this nurse again, she was incensed, yelling seriously at me and threatened to implicate me in this hospital. Sadly, I didn’t tell the nursing supervisor because I was afraid of retaliation. My moral courage was challenged. Although, I endured the strong emotional pain of rejection and disapproval from my colleague and patients. I still maintained my honesty and integrity by refusing to encourage patient bad behaviors. Surprisingly, my approach had a positive impact on this patient unknown to me. On the day of discharge, pt called me to acknowledge that everything I did was for her good. She appreciated very kind words and gestures shown to her. After the patient was finally discharged, I discussed this with my nurse supervisor, reporting the other nurse too. The nursing supervisor addressed the situation in a professional manner, encouraged us to always make positive decisions for personal as we are always held accountable for our actions. She advised that every decision we make must serve the interest of the patient always, thereby promoting the best treatment outcome, safest and excellent quality of care. It is therefore vital to uphold high ethical standard as a nurse wherever you practice. Organizational culture and environment have to create an environment that encourages and support morally courageous behavior to eliminate unprofessional and unethical behavior. This will allow nurses to speak up when they are confronted with unethical behaviors with the ultimate goal of improving patient’s care and treatment outcome. Reference the text book.