Grand Canyon University
Ethical Decision Making in Health Care
NRS-437V-O192
Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma-Part II
Larry Schmidt, Registered Nurse (RN) , Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), Masters of Science in Health Administration (MSA) is a veteran nurse with over 30 years of experience in health care. In addition to his impressive credentials, he is also the Central Valley Service Area Director of the Emergency Department at Kaiser Permanente. Larry was an easy choice when choosing a hospital administrator to interview regarding an ethical dilemma, not only for his significant experience in healthcare administration, but also because of his vast experience with patients, their families and ethical dilemmas. …show more content…
Larry stated that professionally, he believes it is his duty to support his patients, to help them make the best decision for themselves and to allow them to die with dignity. If that means, supporting their decision to legally initiate their own death, then it is a decision that should be honored. On the other hand, personally Larry has a conflicting view because of his strong religious beliefs. Larry stated that “I do not believe in suicide. However, I do believe in making my patients comfortable. Personally, I do not believe that we should go to extraordinary measures and hasten the process of death purposefully. If it were me personally, I feel that I would allow nature to take its course.” (L. Schmidt, personal communication, November 11,