Pain management: ethical issues for the perianesthesia nurse

Ethical aspects of pain management in the peri-anesthesia practice setting revolve around issues of competence. Nurses must have knowledge relevant to the current scope of nursing practice, changing issues and concerns, and ethical concepts and principles. Nurses and other health care providers must engage in ongoing discussion and deliberation about ethics and culturally sensitive care. Additionally, to ensure optimal outcomes, the care provided must address those aspects that are age specific. It is important not only to develop competence as related to tasks and skills, but also to develop critical thinking and decision making. All nurses need to be able to articulate a personal philosophy. They need to understand their own values and be able to anticipate the impact that ethical choice will have on their professional practice.