Abstract: This study uncovers the experience of being ethical from the perspective of pre-registration nursing students. Using the qualitative methodology of phenomenology, specifically that outlined by van Manen, it seeks to show how students act ethically within everyday practice. Providing nursing care is an ethically charged undertaking and despite ethics taking an increasingly important place in nursing education, the author suggests that few studies show the contextual nature of ethical practice from the perspective of students. This study aims to partly redress this situation. In this study the author has interpreted the experiences of twelve pre-registration students. Using seventeen stories shared by the student participants, the author's personal understandings and literature, the meaning of being ethical has been illuminated. Three themes emerged from the interpretation. These include 'keeping things 'nice'', 'being true to yourself' and 'being present'. This thesis asserts that the overarching theme within these themes is that of 'being constrained and enabled'. Being constrained shows the experiences of students as they live through the tensions of being and doing as they strive to be ethical. Being enabled shows the experience of self-determination. Finally the study maintains that the shaping of ethical practice for undergraduate students may be enhanced when their reality is positioned and valued within educational processes.

Abstract: This thesis tells a story from within and between the boundaries of my professional work as a nurse and my private life as the wife of a patient with life threatening illness. The events related in the thesis are told using a technique I have called writing back to myself, where my own journals and stories of the experience of living with life threatening illness provide data for analysis. The reader is invited to participate in these representations and to consider the potential for the skilful practice of nursing which may be read in the stories, and the analysis I have developed from them. I have developed the theoretical and methodological positionings for the thesis from the work of Foucault (1975,1979,1982,1988), Deleuze (1988), Ellis (1995), Richardson (1998) and other writers who utilise genealogical or narrative approaches. The analysis of my own stories in the thesis explores the philosophical and contextual positionings of the nurse as a knowledge worker through genealogies of practice and the specific intellectual work of the nurse. Local and contextual epistemologies are considered as ways of theorising nursing practice through personal knowledge, which is surfaced through the critical analysis of contextual positionings and the process of writing as inquiry.

Abstract: This study drew upon the theoretical insights of Michel Foucault to provide a discursive analysis of the term euthanasia, and the issues surrounding the “right-to-die”. It involved an analysis of primary texts from; nursing, general, and legal literature as well as the media between the years 2002-2004. Drawing upon data researched, the study analyses the main discourses regarding the practice of euthanasia for terminally ill individuals. The two competing discourses that emerged were what the author termed the sanctity-of life-discourse and the right-to-die discourse. The aim of the study was to uncover the discourses understanding of “truth” regarding the right-to-die. The analysis revealed that a small percentage of cancer sufferers (5%) die with their pain insufficiently treated and the right-to-die discourse claims that no individual should have to suffer needlessly, asserting the individuals right to autonomy. Directly opposing this is the sanctity-of life-discourse which states all life is sacred and nothing can justify euthanasia as an acceptable practice in society. These findings indicate the need for effective palliative care and pain management when caring for the terminally ill individual. The legal, ethical and moral implications of euthanasia are many and this study discusses the effects these may have on health professionals involved with the care of terminally ill patients. The study revealed an increasing deployment of the right-to-die discourse in the media and revealed concerns regarding the nursing profession's lack of preparation to deal with euthanasia if it becomes a legal option in end of life care.

Abstract: Explores the experiences of a group of nurse educators responsible for teaching ethics to undergraduate nursing students. Discusses the ethical challenges they encounter in their classroom practice. Employs a case study approach to explore the experiences of seven educators working at a large tertiary institution. Interviews them to ascertain the challenges they face in teaching ethics to nursing students, and how best to overcome them.

Abstract: This article examines the implications for nurses of not-for-resuscitation orders and orders to withdraw treatment. The rights of patients and correct procedure in the case of not-for-resuscitation or do-not-resuscitate orders are considered, as well as the ethical dilemma facing nurses in cases of the withdrawal of treatment. Guidelines are offered to assist nurses in reaching an ethical decision to withdraw treatment. Euthanasia is defined and case law decisions on not-for-resuscitation and treatment withdrawal are cited.

Abstract: This paper explores the nature of compassion and posits it as a moral virtue that requires the nurse to act in the presence of suffering. Compassion is defined in relation to suffering and reciprocity, and distinguished from sympathy and pity.

Abstract: This article firstly describes the application of technological care practices in elder care, and then looks at the attitudes of the elderly and their families towards this care. The value of the equipment in terms of quality of care is considered, and a discussion of the continuing education needs of nurses is presented. The ethical questions around the use of technology are examined, along with possible strategies to deal with such issues.

Abstract: A brief critique and comment on the ethical implications of nurse researchers using methodology that involves soliciting personal experiences of patients and subsequently publishing them as stories.