ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF NURSE-PHYSICIAN RELATIONS IN CRITICAL CARE

Recent research findings highlight the importance of nurse-physician c ollaboration for more positive patient outcomes. Nowhere is this more important than in addressing the ethical aspects of critical care prac tice. Differences in values, communication, trust, and responsibilitie s can precipitate conflict between nurses and physicians over ethical components of care. Strategies to address these ethical conflicts and improve nurse-physician collaboration are needed at both the organizat ion and policy level.