Ethical Issues in Nursing Research

Ethical Issues in Nursing Research

Specific standards are set when researching to help members of the discipline co-ordinate their research activities. These ethics are fundamental to the process because they promote the objectives of the research that adhere to the values of honesty, transparency, and truth. Advanced registered nurses are often the ones that carry out research that is relevant to the general healthcare industry. Just like scientists from other fields, these nurses are expected to adhere to the ethical standards that have been approved by the industry that exist to encourage viable scientific research. Advanced registered nurses’ role in research is often impacted by the need to adhere to the set ethical standards while simultaneously advocating for the safety and rights of the patients involved.

One of the significant ethical issues that affect the roles of advanced registered nurses is the principle of beneficence. This principle dictates that a professional nurse is under the mandate to conduct significant research that benefits and promotes the welfare of those involved. Beneficence is an abstract concept; therefore, it is sometimes difficult to predict when creating a hypothesis for qualitative research (Cherry & Jacob, 2016). Thus, nurses should be cautious to ensure that they consider all potential consequences. This way, they can tackle the risks of harm and focus on the benefits of the research.

The nurses’ beliefs, attitudes, and behavior determine the approach that they use to involve patients in research. Ideally, nurses are positioned as the patients’ advocates because they interact directly with them. The World Health Organization (WHO) argues that it is the nurses’ role to ensure patient safety (Longtin et al., 2010). One of the significant roles an advanced nurse plays in ensuring patient safety is allowing them to make decisions on their own (Iglehart, 2013). Despite this, they are still obligated to help the patients make informed decisions that regard their health during research.

The healthcare system is continually changing; however, ethical standards are set to ensure that patients’ safety remains a priority. Nurses are communicators, educators, and caregivers; they should conform to the ethics that promote the wellbeing of patients in research. Being the patients’ advocates in research, they should uphold the values of transparency, honesty, and trust to ensure their welfare.

References

Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2016). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Iglehart, J. K. (2013). Expanding the role of advanced nurse practitioners—risks and rewards. N Engl J Med, 368(20), 1935-1941.

Longtin, Y., Sax, H., Leape, L. L., Sheridan, S. E., Donaldson, L., & Pittet, D. (2010, January). Patient participation: current knowledge and applicability to patient safety. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 85, No. 1). Elsevier.