Originally Posted by SmartieLaFance
Hi everyone! I'm new to allnurses.com, and this particular forum looked like my best bet, as ethics and advocacy go hand in hand! I was just wondering if anyone had any information on how to become a nurse ethicist. I've searched online and found some graduate programs in bioethics/medical ethics, etc., but none are tailored specifically to nurses. Do most nurse ethicists complete a nursing graduate program with ethics training/certification on the side (such as NP + post-masters ethics courses), or do they attend one of these bioethics grad programs?
What exact degrees/certifications are needed to become a nurse ethicist?
I would love to serve on a hospital ethics committee, and eventually become published in the area of medical/nursing ethics. Any advice or information is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!
Welcome Smartie-
I have a strong interest in ethics also - this summer I am starting on an MS Nursing.
Nursing Ethics deals with ethics as it relates to the profession of nursing. Bio-medical Ethics concerns itself with the ethics of bio-medical technologies, research, and care. The field is huge and growing - especially as science begins to move the boundaries of the possible. Stem cells, nano tech, genetic engineering, genetic testing, race-specific therapies, assisted reproductive technologies... are all areas that have considerable ethical considerations - in addition the traditional areas of when to provide medical intervention or not.
Nurses often serve on hospital ethics committees - talk to a member of the one where you work and find out about it. Another good place to get involved is on an Institutional Review Board at hospital, university, or company that does research. One can serve on a board either in a professional capacity (if you work there) or as a community representative.
If you are interested in teaching and research in ethics then you will want to look at MS and PhD programs.
Good luck.
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