Leadership Ethics: Confidentiality
Ethical principles are the foundation of moral theory (SACHS, 2001). Many health care professionals are familiar with these principles as they form the foundation for ethical codes used to guide professional practice. Nurses can uphold each ethical principle in their daily nursing practice. At times however, two or more principles may conflict and the nurse must engage in ethical decision making to determine which principle is the priority to uphold at that time. Leadership
Ethics is central to leadership as leaders help to establish and reinforce organizational values (Thompson, Thach, and Morelli, 2010). Leaders play a major role in establishing and regulating the ethical ambient of any organization. An ethics based approach to leadership described and identified some leadership styles in organizations. Leaders with unethical styles use their positions for their benefits or for a special group at the expense of others. These leaders use positions as a platform for ego-boosting rather than accomplishing good and also seek retribution against those with opposing and conflicting views (Thompson, Thach, and Morelli, 2010). Ethically neutral leaders do not take time to reflect on any subtle ethical issues; mostly due to lack of awareness, discernment or moral courage. Ethical leaders encourage feedback and dialogues. They bring attention to critical issues, promote honest and candid discussions, manage competing perspectives and facilitate the decision making process in a timely manner. These leaders make sacrifices for the common good and show uncommon courage (Thompson, Thach, and Morelli, 2010). These leaders are called servant-leaders as they are highly concerned about empathy, empowerment, healing, openness, listening and equality.
We all need to be aware of the confidential nature of information obtained in daily practice. If information is not pertinent to a case, the nurse should question whether...
References: Kerr, P. (2009). Protecting patient information in an electronic age: a sacred trust. Urologic Nursing, 29(5), 315-319.
SACHS, B. (2011). Going from principles to rules in research ethics. Bioethics, 25(1), 9-20. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8519.2009.01744.x.
Shifflet, V. L., & Moyer, A. R. (2010). Staff Nurse to Nurse Leader: Steps for Success. MEDSURG Nursing, 19(4), 252-248.
Thompson, K. J., Thach, E. C., & Morelli, M. (2010). Implementing Ethical Leadership: Current Challenges And Solutions. Insights To A Changing World Journal, (4), 107-130.
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