What Would You Do? Ethics and Infection Control

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

silva, m., ludwick r., (november 6, 2006). ethics column: "what would you do? ethics and infection control" online journal of issues in nursing. available: www.nursingworld.org/ojin/ethicol/ethics_18.htm

what would you do? ethics and infection control

rear admiral couig (2006), in the overview and summary for the issue in ojin titled infectious diseases: challenges and solutions, highlights the ethical obligation nurses have to keep current about infections and their prevention and treatment. she suggests that reading the latest issue of ojin is one way to help meet our ethical obligations to stay informed. in continuing that theme of ethical obligations, we ask you to consider further the ways in everyday practice where ethical thought and action are required in relation to infectious diseases.

not every break in infection control leads to a major outbreak of disease, a loss of life or limb, an illness for a nurse, or an increased hospital stay, but enough do to cause actual or potential harm to patients, ourselves, the places we work and society. thus, in this column we will examine the relationship between the trust given to nurses by the public and common themes related to infection control in order to 'encourage ethical thoughtfulness' and proactive ethical action.