Professional Ethics

Full Answer Section

• Right to Conscientious Objection: In healthcare, this is particularly important. I have the right to refuse to participate in procedures or practices that violate my deeply held moral or ethical beliefs, provided it doesn't endanger a patient's immediate life.
• Right to Privacy: This involves the protection of my personal information and freedom from unwarranted surveillance.
• Right to Freedom of Speech: This includes the right to express concerns about patient safety, ethical violations, or workplace conditions without fear of retaliation.
• Right to due process: This means that if accused of wrongdoing, I have the right to a fair hearing.

Differentiating Moral, Legal, and Contractual Rights:

• Moral Rights: These are based on ethical principles and societal values. They are inherent and universal, existing independently of legal or contractual agreements. They represent what is considered "right" or "just."
• Legal Rights: These are rights explicitly granted by laws and regulations. They are enforceable by the legal system. For example, the right to equal employment opportunity is a legal right protected by anti-discrimination laws.
• Contractual Rights: These are rights and obligations defined by a contract between an employer and an employee. They are specific to the terms of the agreement. For example, the right to a specific salary or benefits package is a contractual right.

Are Moral Rights Upheld?

The extent to which moral rights are upheld varies significantly across organizations and industries. In my hypothetical healthcare setting, I believe that some moral rights are generally upheld, while others are often compromised.

• Examples of Upholding Moral Rights:
  • Hospitals typically have safety protocols in place to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious diseases.
  • Anti-discrimination policies are generally enforced, although implicit biases can still exist.
  • There are usually processes in place for reporting ethical concerns.
• Examples of Compromised Moral Rights:
  • Staffing shortages and excessive workloads can create a stressful and unsafe work environment.
  • Nurses may face pressure to compromise patient care due to time constraints or resource limitations.
  • Whistleblowers who report safety violations may face retaliation.
  • Due to the nature of healthcare, and the 24/7 nature of the work, there can be a lack of respect for work life balance.
  • There can be a lack of respect shown to staff by patients, and patient family members.

Specific Examples:

• A nurse who refuses to administer a medication that they believe is harmful to the patient is exercising their right to conscientious objection. However, if the refusal puts the patient at immediate risk, the nurse may face disciplinary action.
• A healthcare worker who reports a pattern of patient neglect may be protected by whistleblower laws, but they may also experience social ostracism or career setbacks.
• A nurse who works 16 hour shifts, due to staffing shortages, has had their right to a safe work environment compromised.

In conclusion, while legal and contractual rights provide a foundation for workplace protection, moral rights are essential for creating a truly ethical and just work environment. Continuous advocacy and vigilance are necessary to ensure that these rights are respected and upheld.

Sample Answer

Let's explore moral rights in the workplace, differentiating them from legal and contractual rights, and consider their application in a hypothetical healthcare setting.

Moral Rights in the Workplace:

In a healthcare setting, my moral rights would include:

• Right to a Safe and Healthy Work Environment: This encompasses physical safety (e.g., protection from infectious diseases, ergonomic safety) and psychological safety (e.g., freedom from harassment, bullying, and undue stress).
• Right to Fair Treatment and Respect: This includes being treated with dignity, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. It also involves fair compensation, equitable workload distribution, and opportunities for professional development.