Relational Ethics Theory

Decision-Making Process

Oberle & Raffin Buuchal
Decision-Making Model (2009)

Step 1: Assessing the
Ethics of the Situation

I wanted to complete bed bath professionally and make patient comfortable

patient expected communication and respect

student wanted to rush the bed bath to save time

Step 2: Reflecting on and
Reviewing Potential Actions

should have continued to tell my partner that the patient was uncomfortable

spoken to the nursing student after the bed bath

tell my clinical teacher of the incident

ask the patient myself for their consent

Step 5: Reflecting on
and Reviewing the
Ethical Action

Student nurse was unethical

evidenced by CNA and CNO code of ethics

Step 4: Engaging in
Ethical Action

was afraid to confront the student nurse

student had more experience

I did not want to cause conflict

Did not do right by the patient

Step 3: Selecting an
Ethical Action

"requires that we focus on the
relationship as the significant and
central aspect of health care
ethics" (Burkhardt et al., 2018, p.
42)

Environment

"the inevitable relationships that individuals engage in" (Burkhardt et al., 2018, p.
42)

Patient lacked a healthy environment

Embodiment

"refers to the relationship in which not only is the person treated in a holistic manner, but there is also consideration of emotion and of subjective experiences" (Burkhardt et al., 2018, p.
42)

Student was inconsiderate when I asked to be gentler

patient was distressed and uncomfortable from student's rough manner

Mutual Respect

"interactive respect for and attention to difference" (Burkhardt et al., 2018, p.
42)

Power differential

considered patient a task

was forceful with patient

Engagement

"A quality of a relationship in which there is striving for authenticity and connection" (Burkhardt et al., 2018, p.
42)

student did not ask for consent

student did not ask for patient's desired outcomes of care