Philosophy and Ethics: Theory and Application

This module aims to develop knowledge of philosophy and ethics theory and concepts, so that the student will be able to analyse ethical issues in practice. To do so the nurse must understand and be able to apply relevant principles of ethical decision-making to practice. This module seeks to address ethical problems that may arise in a practice setting and the influence of the NMBI Code of Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Midwives (2021). Key skills for analysis of ethical issues will be addressed.

1. Appraise and critically apply the ethical guidelines governing the role of the nurse and critical reasoning to practice, in particular the NMBI Code of Professional Practice for Registered Nurses and Midwives (2021).

2. Apply moral sensitivity and imagination to ensure ethical decision-making in nursing practice.

3. Critically appraise the relevant knowledge from ethical theory to moral challenges in day to day nursing practice.

4. Critically evaluate ethical principles to identify and understand poor professional practice and challenge unprofessional behaviour.

5. Examine the role of the nurse in social justice and to evaluate ways of working to avoid discriminatory practice.