Comparison of nurse educators’ and nursing students’ descriptions of teaching codes of ethics

Abstract

This study analysed teaching of nurses' codes of ethics in basic nursing education in Finland. A total of 183 educators and 214 students responded to a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by SPSS. Teaching of nurses' codes was rather extensive. The nurse-patient relationship was highlighted. Educators assessed their teaching statistically significantly more extensive than what students' perceptions were. The use of teaching and evaluation methods was conventional, but differences between the groups concerning the use of these methods were statistically significant. Students' knowledge of and their ability to apply the codes was mediocre. Most educators and students assessed educators' knowledge of the codes as adequate for teaching. These educators also taught the codes more extensively and these students perceived the teaching as more extensive. Otherwise educators' and students' socio-demographic variables had little association with the teaching. Research should focus on the organization and effectiveness of ethics education, and on educators' competence.

Code of ethics teaching and its application in nursing students: a cross sectional study

“…According to our findings, 57.4% and 40.0% of the nursing students revealed that they applied the codes in moderate and high levels, respectively. It was reported that the capability of nursing students in performing these codes were in moderate level (9). Moreover, 79% of the participants were fully agree or almost agree about the applicability of these codes (21).…”

“…With respect to nursing codes of ethics that defines the profession (8), and are important in practice, hence, teaching codes of ethics during students studies are crucial, and can be effective in professionalization of nursing and development of professional values (9). In other words, decisionmaking in complicated ethical issues, professional values are the basis of nursing practice (10) Researchers believed that the main reason for inadequate knowledge on codes of ethics' in nurses was due to their limited education nursing curriculum (11).…”

“…In other words, decisionmaking in complicated ethical issues, professional values are the basis of nursing practice (10) Researchers believed that the main reason for inadequate knowledge on codes of ethics' in nurses was due to their limited education nursing curriculum (11). Therefore, teaching the codes of ethics requires more development (9).…”

“…Despite the beneficial effects of these codes, a study indicated that 60% of nursing students were not familiar with the codes of ethics (16). Another study revealed that nursing students' knowledge and their ability to apply the codes of ethics were in moderate level (9). In addition, the results of a study on nurses in Iran showed knowledge and application of ethical codes were low in clinical practices (17).…”

Nursing Faculties’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Research Ethics According to Demographic Characteristics and Institutional Environment in Korea

“…In another study, teaching on nurses' codes of conduct was rather extensive and highlighted the nurse-patient relationship. Educators assessed their teaching as statistically significantly more extensive than students perceived it as being (Numminen et al, 2011). Among health sciences faculty at two major Jordanian universities, most faculty members reported having no training in research ethics at their current institutions.…”