Ethical Competence and Perioperative Nursing

Authors

  • Carol Taylor

Abstract

In this article an experienced nurse ethicist will lead readers in an exploration of the ethical challenges confronting perioperative nurses today. An argument will be made for ethical competence as a core competence for all health care professionals. After distinguishing ethical uncertainty, dilemma and distress, tools to facilitate moral reasoning and ethical decision making are outlined. Upon completion of this article, perioperative nurses will be able to: 1. Distinguish ethical uncertainty, ethical dilemma, and ethical distress. 2. Identify potential areas of conflict between professional and personal values. 3. Describe ethical competence as a core competence of professional nurses. 4. Apply moral reasoning and ethical decision making skills to ethical dilemmas.

Author Biography

Carol Taylor

Carol Taylor, RN, PhD, is Associate Director for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University School of Nursing, Washington, DC.
This article was presented as backgound material for her dynamic interactive session at the ORNAC Halifax Conference in 1999, and a reading is ideal preparation for her lecture at the ORNAC National Conference in Banff, 2001.

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Published

2001-03-01

How to Cite

Taylor, C. (2001). Ethical Competence and Perioperative Nursing. Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada Journal, 19(1). Retrieved from https://ornacjournal.ca/index.php/ornac/article/view/12687

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2001): March/mars 2001

Section

Feature Articles