Nurses are increasingly realising that they can offer relevant information and participate in decision-making involving ethical issues. However, inter-professional communications are frequently inadequate, and do not permit exchange of opinions. The consequences are often frustrating and upsetting for nurses whose care is affected by others' policies. This paper explores these issues using some clinical examples.
KIE: Recent developments in nursing practice reflect increased knowledge of effective care and the changing needs of patients, as well as a change in the nurse's role from one that is subservient to the physician's role to one that is complementary. Accordingly, nurses should be taking an active role in decision making concerning ethical issues in patient care, such as the question of what information to disclose to chronically or terminally ill patients. Examples are cited of cases in which decisions on care were not negotiated with the nurses involved and subsequently caused them great anguish.