Preparing students to be moral agents in clinical nursing practice. Report of a national study

Various types of teaching and learning strategies can be effectively employed to assist students' professional development in ethical decision-making skills. To be prepared to act as a moral agent in clinical practice, a terminal goal upon completion of the baccalaureate program is the student's ability to develop and consistently use a systematic approach/framework when confronted by an ethical dilemma. Eleven skill steps not necessarily exclusive or in sequence were outlined as selected activities that can be considered for the ethical decision process. Specific ethical issues that are germane and applicable to many patient care situations were investigated and identified as frequently occurring in clinical practice. Course work about these issues prior to completion of their nursing programs may be beneficial in preparing students with basic knowledge and skill about them as they enter or return to clinical practice.