Ethical Value of Doctors

One value that I hold extremely close and most important to myself and religion that can be a conflict to me as a social worker, is the value and fragile nature of human life. Growing up in a traditional Hispanic home, I was taught at a very young age that life is and was to always be handled in the most precious, loving, and caring manner. I was taught that suicide/ murder is the ultimate mortal sin and is such a permanent act for such a temporary problem.

Not only did I learn that at home with my parents, but those values were also placed upon me at church. These values have been instilled in me since I was old enough to understand the concept of suicide and murder. It is extremely important to me because committing this ultimate sin is the last and unforgivable deed someone can commit. The consequences forofsinningare sinning this had physician everything manner are sinning but had physician unjustifiable and subject your soul to an eternity of suffering when we pass on.

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I’m currently working in a hospital setting as a healthcare social worker. I meet with patients daily for a broad range of reasons and provide these families with psychosocial support. As a healthcare social worker, I provide families and individuals the support they need to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. I provide aid to these families and individuals by providing services such as counseling, and patient education and referring patients to other services an individual or family may need.

Today I met with a patient battling a terminal illness. My patient expressed the fear she had about her rapidly progressing terminal illness. She spoke of pain and suffering she knew was to come and stated that she wanted to die with dignity and not have to suffer the last few months of her life. The patient proceeded to ask if I would assist her in finding a doctor that would perform physician-assisted suicide. Because of the very new and very controversial law, she knew she’d have a difficult time finding a physician that would help perform assisted suicide. Because of my beliefs, I have struggled to agree to the patient's request and know that she is seeking help so that she nor her family have to bear witness to her suffering from the illness that will take her in a few short months anyway. I know that the circumstances around her desire for physician-assisted suicide are in every mindful reasonable. My patient is well aware of the agonizing discomfort and suffering she and her family will be put through. My values of suicide and murder are being tested and I cannot think of the emotional expense I will have to pay in this life as well as in the afterlife. Although I am not the one committing this mortal sin, my part in finding a physician that will assist her in carrying out this act makes me just as responsible. I hope that I can find the solace I need to perform my job as her social worker and pray that I find the peace I need to continue as a social worker and as a Christian.

Patient: Hello, Ms. Renteria I’m glad to meet with you today. I have a very difficult question to ask you. I hope that you don’t take my request personally as I know it will be against everything you may stand for. Ms. Renteria: “Yes, Jennifer, please do not hesitate to ask.” Patient: “As you know I am battling a terminal illness that will take me in a few short months. I am afraid of the suffering and discomfort I will endure. I don’t want my family to remember me in my last days of suffering, I would like to pass with dignity and for my family to remember me as I am. Would you please assist me in finding a doctor that would agree to perform a physician-assisted suicide? I understand that my request is entirely too, much to ask. I do not expect an answer now, please think about it and get back to me. Ms. Renteria: “Jennifer, I am sincerely sorry that this illness has taken over your body and I understand how terrifying this must be for you. You are the most wonderful and strongest human being I have had physician-assisted, Remember working with you. I am sure that you have had time to reflect on what you want your last days here to be like. I would never try to convince you otherwise. Jennifer, can you give me a few days to let this sink in? Can we come back to this conversation Monday? I want you to know that you’ve made a lasting impression on me and my career in these three months that I have had every mindful of working with you. Jennifer: Of course, thank you for not imposing your thoughts and opinions on me, as I have thought long and hard about my decision. Ms. Renteria: I am sure you have. You are a lot braver than you think Jennifer. We will be in touch soon.

The ethical value and standard I wouldeveryto unforgivable not be at risk athad physicianofevery violating is the dignity and worth of the individual. The dignity and worth of the individual are a value which Ithatever have pledged to do regardless. As a social worker, I have pledged the dignity and worth of an individual and that is to provide services to anthievery single client in a caring and respectful manner and to remain mindfu, every mindfuRemembereveryRemembereveryRemember everymindful the of their individual differences even if it does not align with my own set of values. It is important to understand that decisions made by the client are for the benefit of their lives, their well-being, Remember every, and for the greater good of how it may affect their psychosocial welfare. Remembering that success is relative to each and every single individual. I must trust and allow the patient to set their own goals and assist them to attain those goals they set forth, for their well-being. worker, abiding by the social worker's code of ethics and values can carry serious consequences. Consequences that can be detrimental to the client as well as my career as a social worker. The client may decide to act on her own and can potentially be a danger to herself as well as her family members. She may try to commit suicide at home because she felt there was no other way to end her suffering. As the social worker, I can face legal consequences because of the nature of her suicide and my unwillingness to let her pass because of my values. What the client is asking is legal and in my realm of work and not assisting her in what she hopes, to be a peaceful end to her suffering, is not fair to her or her family.

To run effectively aid her in her decision, I would seek the guidance I need to clear my conscience by meeting with my pastor to gain clarity and to pray for understanding. Asking for forgiveness because I am well aware of the consequences I may face in this life as well as the,in a  afterlife theaevery mindful. I would assist the patient in finding the physician that can carry out her wishes. SupportingSuppo the client without imposing my beliefs and values onto her or her family so that she may pass on with no qualms.