Full Answer Section

2. Prioritization in Conflicts: Ethical dilemmas often involve conflicting priorities. Values help us determine which principles hold the most weight in a particular situation.

Example: A healthcare manager might value both patient safety and employee well-being. During a staffing shortage, they might face the ethical dilemma of mandating overtime for exhausted nurses or potentially compromising patient care by having fewer staff on duty. Their values would guide their decision on how to prioritize staff well-being while still ensuring adequate patient care.

What Changes Our Values?

Our values are not static and can evolve throughout life due to several factors:

1. Life Experiences: Significant events, both positive and negative, can shape our values. For example, a healthcare worker who witnesses medical malpractice might develop a stronger sense of ethical responsibility and patient advocacy.
2. Education and Training: Exposure to ethical frameworks and professional codes of conduct within healthcare can refine and solidify an individual’s ethical values.
3. Cultural and Social Influences: Our social and cultural backgrounds can influence our values. For instance, a culture that emphasizes compassion might lead healthcare professionals to prioritize patient comfort even when resources are limited.

By understanding how individual values impact ethical decision-making, healthcare professionals can navigate complex situations with integrity and ensure the well-being of patients and staff.