Moral difficulties in nursing practice: reflections on the practice of a nurse educator

In this article issues associated with moral difficulties in nursing practice are explored. Within the context of a personal reflection on a module evaluation, this article was prompted by a discussion with a group of student nurses. The students had just completed a module of study on moral, professional and legal issues in nursing. A literature-based discussion in which I suggest that moral, professional and legal issues in nursing are inextricably linked is followed by the background to the module of study and context of the discussion with the student nurses. Four themes emerged from my reflection upon this discussion: proposed changes to patient care, the students themselves, other health care professionals and operational issues. These themes are discussed through reflective commentary. The conclusion acknowledges the value of personal reflection for nurses working in nurse education and clinical practice.