Explore values, codes and principles that govern ethical decisions in professional practice within nursing care settings. Case studies of potential and actual ethical issues and dilemmas arising in nursing practice are analyzed using the intellectual standards of critical thinking in a framework of ethical decision-making. The course focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of the nursing profession and the rules and regulations controlling the practice of nursing. In addition this course provides a study of relationship and responsibilities of professional nursing that emphasis on current issues and professional organizations, as well as the planning and discussing of career development.
Nursing ethics is more about being a good nurse in everyday practice than it is about solving discrete ethical dilemmas as they occur, although logically the former encompasses the latter. Good nursing requires sensitivity to the moral domain of nursing practice. The nature of nursing is essentially normative, whereby nurses attempt to maximize the good (e.g. comfort, dignity, quality of life) and minimize the bad (e.g. pain, suffering) for human beings in situations of health and illness. Students are provided with an overview of each of different allied health professions, the distinctive role of each of the professions within the health care team, significant aspects of the work of each of the professions, and the skills and competencies required. Autonomy, accountability, commitment, standards entry into, nursing theories and other will be discussed through debates, seminars, panel discussions, and critique papers that will lead to the development of critical thinking and evaluation skills
