Ethics in Context

Abstract

Throughout this book I have tried to present everyday cases and issues which individual nurses may encounter within the context of a wider ethical debate. In clinical practice problems often occur which require action; there is not always time for much deliberation. There is a tendency to look for some kind of guide to reasonable action in these circumstances. On the whole ethical codes are of limited help in this respect. Generalised ethical statements and idealised positions are by their very nature not going to provide a programme for action in all eventualities. All along we have seen that personal and professional morality may be in conflict. Ethical principles often oppose one another. For instance we may wish to uphold the rights of an individual patient only to find that a more generalised notion of justice is being compromised.