Nursing students’ ethical standpoint on health dilemmas

Abstract

This article presents the nursing students’ ethical standpoint of nursing students in face of health dilemmas, based on the Life Inviolability Principle (PSV) and the Life Quality Principle (PQV). Data gathered in a descriptive, exploratory, quantitative-approach study on bioethical issues supported the analysis. The survey was conducted with 70% of nursing students of a given national public university in the year of 2010. The results point to standpoints that favor LSP in relation to abortion (69.29%), euthanasia (63.58%), assisted suicide (57.86%), and orthothanasia (65%). Regarding lative to genetic engineering (62.85%), cloning techniques (58.57%), and assisted human reproduction (92.14%) favored the importance of life quality of individuals. The
discussion highlights the religious influence on students’ standpoint. The final considerations demonstrate the importance of instituting or solidifying forums on bioethical conflicts, aimed at stimulating reflection and dialogue.