LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this chapter, you will:

• Gain an understanding of the nurse's power in the nurse–patient relationship

• Learn about the fiduciary nature of the nurse–patient relationship

• Gain an understanding of the legal and moral responsibilities of the fiduciary relationship

• Develop your understanding of how to foster a therapeutic relationship with your patients

• Develop your ability to identify risks in the nurse–patient relationship

The focus of this chapter is the moral aspects of the nurse–patient relationship. Some people might think Carole is treating Christine with disrespect by misleading and then avoiding her. Others might think Carole is just being realistic. After all, the doctor really is busy and will not be free until 11.30. In order to work out whether or not this is an appropriate way to treat a patient, you will need to have a good understanding of nurses’ responsibilities to their patients and the moral basis of those responsibilities.

In Chapter 2, we noted that rights and obligations are like two sides of the same coin. A legal right comes with a corresponding obligation, or duty. A right is a legal entitlement to do something, and an obligation is the constraint upon individuals’ behaviour that comes with that entitlement. However, the nurse–patient relationship involves more than legalities. As discussed in Chapter 1, interpersonal relationships involve moral values such as respect, beneficence and compassion.