[Ethics, applied ethics, professional ethics].

Abstract

This study is concerned with "The Familiarity of Basic Rules in Professional Ethics Amongst Nursing Staff Members". Here the codification of norms in professional ethics is understood to be a necessary step on the way to individual nursing ethics. A survey on the study topic showed that there is a lack of familiarity in Germany. Therefore the authors conclude that German nursing has not yet reached this level of individual ethics. As it became clear in the survey that there is a general request for more information, the authors feel bound to demand better coverage of the topic in both basic and further training. The ethics of nursing, however, are applied ethics. In the following discourse first of all the authors will define the term "ethics" and explain the characteristics which are of importance in the present day situation. Secondly, they will ask what "applied ethics" can be against this background. Finally, the authors will discuss what "norms" are as regards professional ethics, how and why they develop and of what relevance they may be with respect to the corresponding ethics applied.