Nursing practice inherently involves ethical issues, so ethics education is particularly important for nurses who have not had formal ethics training. The nurse's role in ethics, communication with others involved, professional authority, and relationships with others in the decision-making process are key to an effective continuing education program. Emphasis on the interpersonal and communication aspects of ethical involvement will empower the nurse to participate fully as the patient's ethical advocate. The nurse also needs support when he or she disagrees with the patient's decision or cannot support the decisions of other healthcare professionals or those of his or her employer. Future ethical dilemmas are certain to involve nurses in a variety of practice settings.
Nurses bridge the gap between the needs of individual patients and the healthcare system.
Never have the challenges for nursing been greater. But the challenges bring great opportunity for nurses to move to the forefront in the advocacy role. Nurses' sensitivity to the ethical aspects of clinical practice. American Hospital Association . American Hospital Association , 5-52.