- Refer to the assigned readings and identify one nursing theory that might be a foundation for your nursing practice. Explain how this theory could be used in research.
- Select one article from the assigned reading under Articles for Discussion and
- State which article you have selected and discuss the ethical principle that was violated.
- Explain the role of the nurse in protecting human research participants based on the identified ethical principle.
- Support your response by citing and referencing either the assigned article or textbook
Nursing Theory as a Foundation for Practice
One of the most influential nursing theories that can serve as a foundation for my nursing practice is Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Watson’s theory emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on the humanistic aspects of nursing and the deep interpersonal relationships between nurses and their patients (Watson, 2008). This theory aligns well with psychiatric mental health nursing, where building trusting relationships and providing compassionate care are essential for patient well-being.
Watson’s theory can be utilized in research to explore the impact of caring interventions on patient outcomes. For example, researchers can investigate how implementing Watson’s Caritas Processes—such as cultivating sensitivity to oneself and others and developing a helping-trusting relationship—affects patients’ mental health recovery. Studies can measure patient satisfaction, levels of anxiety, and overall health improvements in settings where Watson’s caring model is actively practiced versus those where it is not.
Ethical Principle Violation in Research
For this discussion, I have selected the article “The Tuskegee Syphilis Study: A Case Study in Ethics” from the assigned readings. This study, conducted between 1932 and 1972 by the U.S. Public Health Service, is a notorious example of research misconduct, primarily violating the ethical principle of justice (Brandt, 1978). The principle of justice requires that the benefits and burdens of research be distributed fairly among participants. However, in this study, African American men with syphilis were deliberately misled and denied treatment, even after penicillin became the standard treatment for the disease in the 1940s. These men were chosen based on race and socioeconomic status, demonstrating a clear violation of justice, as they were unfairly subjected to harm for the sake of scientific research.
The Role of the Nurse in Protecting Human Research Participants
Nurses play a critical role in safeguarding human research participants, ensuring that ethical principles such as justice, beneficence, and respect for persons are upheld. In research settings, nurses must advocate for informed consent, ensuring that participants fully understand the risks and benefits of the study before agreeing to participate. They must also monitor for signs of distress or harm and report unethical practices to the appropriate authorities.
In cases like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, nurses could have intervened by refusing to participate in misleading patients and instead advocating for proper medical treatment. In modern research settings, nurses are responsible for maintaining transparency, upholding ethical guidelines established by the Belmont Report (1979), and ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected from exploitation.
Conclusion
Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring provides a strong foundation for nursing practice and research by emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care. However, ethical considerations in research, such as those highlighted by the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, remind us of the critical role nurses play in protecting human research participants. By adhering to ethical principles and advocating for patients’ rights, nurses help ensure that research practices remain just, humane, and beneficial to all participants.
References
Brandt, A. M. (1978). Racism and research: The case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The Hastings Center Report, 8(6), 21-29.
Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring (Rev. ed.). University Press of Colorado.
The Belmont Report. (1979). Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.