Ethics Orientation

The purpose of this course is to inform nurses about the field of bioethics. It will also provide readers with a greater understanding of how ethics functions within nursing, as well as within the larger field of health care, so they may participate in it more knowledgeably and effectively.
After studying the information presented here, you will be able to —
Discuss the historical events that led to the development of bioethics.
Describe four major bioethical principles.
Name three ethics functions within nursing.
Identify three functions of a typical ethics committee.
Describe three factors that must be present for a patient’s informed decision.
State the “slippery-slope” argument as it relates to physician-assisted suicide.