The ethics of working together in collaboration for increased knowledge and improved patient care

Abstract

This presentation explores the ethical concepts of the public good, responsibility and trust to examine the ethics of collaboration between academic nursing and clinical nursing both of which are vital to nursing education, to the nursing profession and to the public which nursing serves. Changes in Japanese nursing education and the professional roles of those involved in this education are examined along with some historical highlights. The factors that assist students to become a good nurse are detailed within the context of the professional socialization process. Potential areas of difficulty in collaboration are outlined from an ethical perspective and a beginning guideline of ethical principles and virtues are summarized to assist individual nurses strengthen their colleagueship and collaboration in nursing. All of these comments are grounded in an idea from Buddha: We do not have to wait until we are pure at heart to do good. Becoming pure at heart is a life long journey which we may never fully attain.