The aim of this paper is to analyse how the broad context of nursing p
ractice plays a stimulating and/or a restricting role in the process o
f ethical caring. Three areas of special attention are noted. First, o
n the societal level, some developments that influence the state of af
fairs In the eating sector are indicated. Secondly, concerning the nur
sing and medical professions, an interprofessional dialogue based on s
pecific competence is outlined. Thirdly, there is a discussion of how
health care institutions curt evolve from a business undertaking to a
pedagogic-moral area where nurses fan learn Me moral attitudes that ar
e essential to achieve 'good care'.