Ethical decision making in nephrology nursing for end-of-life care: a responsibility and opportunity

Abstract

This article describes the ethical significance of working with ESRD patients with a focus on end-of-life decision making. The ethical aspects of patient advocacy are explored and suggestions are offered for helping patients make ethically sound and caring end-of-life decisions. A model for ethical decision making is outlined, along with guidance from the ANA Code of Ethics and suggestions from the ANA Position Statements on Care and Comfort in Dying Patients, Euthanasia, and Assisted Suicide.