An Ethic of Care in Nursing: Past, Present and Future Considerations

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to re-examine an ethic of care as the main ethical approach to nursing practice in light of past and present developments in nursing ethics, and to briefly speculate whether or not it will survive within nursing in the future. Overall, it is maintained throughout that the terms ‘caring’, ‘nursing’ and an ‘ethic of care’ are inextricably linked. This is because, it is argued, professionally focused nursing practices are based predominantly on a well-recognised moral commitment to deliver expert care, and that a care-based ethic is the major factor in the construction and maintenance of these practices. Subsequently, the influences and developments of a caring ethic in nursing are firstly re-examined, and the discussion is supported by evidence from more recent nursing research and theoretical developments. Consideration is given to the philosophical underpinnings of both care theory and caring ethics, and the fundamental importance of caring in nursing, as an interpersonal relationship and as an appropriate ethical response, is made transparent. Finally, an outline of the future possibilities that may affect an ethic of care in nursing is offered.

Keywords:

• Caring
• Care Ethics
• Nursing Practice
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Nursing Ethic of Care

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Martin Woods

Martin Woods has been involved in nursing education for more than thirty years and in particular with the teaching of nursing ethics, law and related subjects to students at all levels. He is also the New Zealand representative for Ethics & Human Rights for the international Council of Nurses