Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a time you had to make a difficult ethical decision in psychiatric nursing?
Sample answer:
One example of a difficult ethical decision I faced as a psychiatric nurse involved balancing the autonomy of a patient with their safety and well-being. I had a patient who was diagnosed with severe depression and had expressed suicidal ideation. However, the patient adamantly refused any treatment or intervention, including medications and therapy.
As a psychiatric nurse, it is essential to respect a patient’s autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own care. However, ensuring the safety of the patient is also a crucial ethical responsibility. In this situation, I had to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of respecting the patient’s autonomy versus intervening to protect their life.
To address this ethical dilemma, I began by engaging in a therapeutic relationship with the patient, building trust, and exploring their fears and concerns about treatment. I tried to understand the underlying reasons behind their refusal to accept any form of intervention. Through open and empathetic communication, I was able to uncover that the patient had previously experienced negative side effects from a specific medication, leading to their aversion to all medications.
To balance the patient’s autonomy and safety, I collaborated with the interdisciplinary team, including the psychiatrist, social worker, and the patient’s family, to develop a comprehensive care plan. We explored alternative treatment options, such as different medications or non-pharmacological interventions, lik… Read full answer
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