Ethical Principles and Reasoning

Advocacy as an "ethic of practice" (Gaylord & Grace, 1995) is a moral endeavor. What this means is that the nurse uses competent clinical assessment and judgment skills in undertaking a course of action that will be the most effective for achieving the patient's well-being. Good or 'ethical' nursing practice results from the use of theoretical, conceptual, and practical knowledge in formulating clinical judgments. Included in the knowledge base necessary for "good" nursing practice is an understanding of the general language, principles, and methods of ethical reasoning. Additionally, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses (2001) provides ethical guidelines that are particular to nursing practice.

Some ethical principles that have proved important in health care settings are discussed on the following pages. It should be understood that while these principles support ethical decision making, their use does not guarantee that the nurse will make the right decision or take the right (as opposed to wrong) action. This is because context and individual characteristics of the patient's situation are also important considerations.