A Study of the Moral Dimensions of the Role of the Nurse and the Nurse-Patient Relationship

Harbison, Jean (1995) A Study of the Moral Dimensions of the Role of the Nurse and the Nurse-Patient Relationship. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The central question of this dissertation is "What conception of the role of the nurse, and of the nurse-patient relationship, will result in the most effective way to attain the moral aims of nursing - the provision of humane, respectful and dignified care?" The background of current pre-occupations in nursing ethics is sketched out in a review of the literature. Against this, the conceptions of the nurse as servant, advocate and skilled companion; and models of the relationship as contractual, covenantal and dialogic are respectively examined. Relevant aspects of the peculiar position of the nurse are also examined; the invisibility of nursing, the potential for informal power, and the pivotal nature of the position. Empirical evidence from both ethical and sociological studies is drawn upon to support the discussion. The conclusion arrived at is that, in the current UK health care system, the role of skilled companion affords the nurse the greatest opportunity to achieve the moral aims of nursing. It is tentatively suggested that understanding the nurse-patient relationship as dialogic may also be useful in the attempt to realise these aims. Finally, the implications for nursing, and for nursing ethics, are outlined.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Additional Information: Adviser: R Downie
• Keywords: Medical ethics, Nursing
• Date of Award: 1995
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1995-75001
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 27 Sep 2019 14:40
• Last Modified: 27 Sep 2019 14:40
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75001