Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing

Abstract

Recent developments in nursing practice reflect increased knowledge of effective care and the changing needs of patients, as well as a change in the nurse's role from one that is subservient to the physician's role to one that is complementary. Accordingly, nurses should be taking an active role in decision making concerning ethical issues in patient care, such as the question of what information to disclose to chronically or terminally ill patients. Examples are cited of cases in which decisions on care were not negotiated with the nurses involved and subsequently caused them great anguish. (KIE abstract)