MORAL OPTIONS OF A NURSE

A nurse has a moral option of refusing to participate in care when “placed in situations of compromise that exceed acceptable moral limits or involve violations of the moral standards of the profession, whether in direct patient care or in any other forms of nursing practice”.

Hint: When or can a nurse refuse patient care? How does this relate to the nurses’ ethical responsibilities?

Information contained in the statement should clearly demonstrate the student’s perspective, which should be supported by current relevant evidence and reflect current policy and practice within the Australian nursing context with clear reference and linkage to the National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse.