Fostering Compassionate Nursing Practice: Integrating Virtue Ethics and the Right-Action Approach Through Critical Companionship

Abstract

Background: The right-action approach typically articulated in codes of ethics, establishes fundamental standards for professional behavior but may fall short in fostering a compassionate mindset. In contrast, virtue ethics prioritizes the development of moral virtues essential for empathetic care. This paper investigates the integration of principles from both the right-action approach and virtue ethics within nursing education, aiming to enhance ethical reflection and critical thinking among nurses.
Methodology: It was an observational study based on the focus group discussions (FGDs). Each focus group consisted of 10 nurses and a total of three focus groups were conducted in a period of two months (November to December 2022). Nurses were recruited through a random sampling technique from the Kohi Goth Hospital, Karachi.
Results: Results indicated the important connection between the integration of both principles of right action and virtue ethics. Nurses experience that the addition of virtual ethics and the right action approach facilitates them to integrate ethical principles with practical reasoning, fostering patient-centered and evidence-based care. According to the responses generated through Focal Group Discussions (FGDs), most nurses emphasized the significance of nurturing skilled companionship through critical reflection in nursing practice. . . Furthermore, the role of codes of ethics was also underscored as foundational guidance for them, providing essential frameworks for ethical reflection and professional conduct, particularly in challenging care scenarios.
Conclusion: The integration of critical companionship complements the teachings of codes of ethics in nursing education and curriculum, contributing significantly to the development of competent and ethical nursing professionals.