My understanding of the nurse’s role in ethical conduct of research has slightly changed to include more responsibilities. While nurses must still follow the ethical rules of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity, it is important for the nurse to also assume responsibility. Nurses must recognize that in order to follow the ethical principles stated, they must also ensure that their patients are safe and that their rights are not violated. For example, patients have the right to informed consent, and it is the responsibility of the nurse to ensure that they received informed consent from the provider, it was signed, and witnessed.

It is also important for the nurse to be aware of the historical evolution of ethics in order to avoid repeating history. In the Tuskegee study, the nurse involved followed orders she was given, even though she knew it was ethically wrong to subject these men to false treatment of syphilis, thereby letting them suffer a disease that they could have cured. Today, nurses now know that they should not be blindly following orders given by doctors and other superiors. Nurses today should question orders when they don’t seem right because we are patient advocates and are required to follow ethical standards.

My participation has enlightened me on the history of ethics and the role I will play when I enter into practice. I feel confident that I will follow the ethical standards laid out and be able to provide quality, evidence-based practice to all of my patients.