Ethical and Philosophical Aspects of Nursing Children and Young People

Book excerpt: Nurses and healthcare professionals are constantly faced with ethical and philosophical dilemmas when working with children in everyday practice. Ethical and Philosophical Aspects of Nursing Children and Young People is a comprehensive text on the ethics and philosophy behind paediatric nursing that reflects the contemporary issues encountered while working with children and young people. The title provides a philosophical and historical analysis of the subject, looking at a review of sociological and political theories concerning the nature of childhood, and providing a critical analysis of contemporary notions about childhood. It then goes on to look at moral theories and their application to paediatric nursing practice, ethical issues when caring for children of all ages, from infancy to adolescence. It considers issues of disabled children, confidentiality, mental health issues, children's rights, and pain management. With case studies and activities throughout, this book will enable students and newly qualified nurses both to understand philosophical concepts and issues but also to articulate their own reflections and observations on these subjects. Written by children's nurses for children's nurses With contributions from internationally recognised experts in the field Reflective scenarios, further reading, extensive referencing, case studies, guided questions, and resources throughout Includes appendices on the RCPCH Guidelines on Withdrawal of Treatment, the ICN Ethical Code, the Summary of the UNCRC, and the RCPCH Guidelines for the Conduct of Ethical Research