What is the first step in the Ethical Decision-Making process?

The first step in the Ethical Decision-Making process is clarification. This initial phase is crucial as it involves identifying the ethical issue or dilemma at hand. It requires a thorough understanding of the situation, including gathering relevant information and recognizing the stakeholders who may be affected by the decision. Clarifying the problem sets the stage for the entire decision-making process, allowing individuals to frame the ethical considerations properly.

Without this step, subsequent choices or evaluations may lack a strong foundation, leading to misguided conclusions and actions. It ultimately ensures that any potential solutions or strategies are developed with a clear grasp of the ethical implications involved, which is vital in the nursing profession where ethical considerations are paramount in patient care.