Nurses outline four steps to address ethical challenges

A four-step process for handling ethical challenges is outlined in a recent article in American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) journal Advanced Critical Care. The steps are recognize, release, reconsider and restart. The article presents a structured mapping process to help nurses and other clinicians identify patterns behind ethical challenges and find ways to guide communication and decision-making. “A process that cultivates self-awareness, self-regulation and compassion is vital for creating a foundation that fosters mindfulness and insight,” according to Cynda Hylton Rushton, PhD, RN, one of the article’s co-authors. (AACN news release, 5/14/20)