Making ethical decisions even when it isn't easy.

Abstract

Nurses, as continuous health care providers, are more aware of the numerous ethical dilemmas encountered in practice as they strive to meet patient needs. Regardless of the nurse's role--as practitioner, educator, or administrator--knowledge about how to approach ethical dilemmas is essential to participate effectively as patient care providers. By using a systematic framework for resolving a practice dilemma, nurses can clarify the nature and scope of the problem and use a reasoned approach for resolution.