Abstract
Objective:
This study constitutes part of a research programme called «Caritative caring ethics in clinical practice». The aim of this study is to get a picture of nurses' ethical thinking and acting.
Method:
Data were collected by diaries, an interview, two focus group interviews, and a questionnaire; and analysed by qualitative content analysis combined with statistical analysis by SPSS software.
Results:
The nurses have a basic knowledge about ethics, but they lack for multi-professional forums for consultation on ethical matters. Lack of time and courage are seen as obstacles for ethical acting. Though, most of the nurses regard having ethical freedom to do good for the patient independent of rules and routines. Caring ethics is seen as composed of, among other things, dignity, confirmation, responsibility and closeness. The disposition of love with ethical openness and sincerity are seen as essential issues in a model for a caritative caring ethics. Conclusion: The results support the assumption that caring ethics should have an inner view supported by an ethos not to be caught in an external ethics made of rules and principles. The caring culture, in which the nurse leader plays a central role, is of great importance for creating possibilities for ethical growth.