Education for entry into practice: an ethical perspective.

Abstract

Educational preparation for entry into nursing practice is an issue that has been the subject of intense debate among nursing educators and leaders, but it has yet to be resolved. This issue is surrounded by practice, licensure, and education dilemmas that are examined from an ethical perspective. The ethical principles of justice, fidelity, and utility are informed by an ethic of care and are used to analyze the implications of this issue and its associated dilemmas for the nursing student and graduate, the client and society, and the profession. Moral questions are raised that must be answered by nursing educators because the status quo in nursing practice, licensure, and education is morally unacceptable.