In their clinical practice, nurses are confronted continuously with et
hical issues. There is a growing concern about the capacity of nurses
to perform ethically. This article explores the process of ethical dec
ision-making in nursing, including the process of ethical reasoning an
d the implementation of ethical decisions in clinical practice. This a
rticle begins with a reflection on the essence of nursing and on nurse
s' ethical responsibility. Problems as well as determinants related to
nurses' ethical decision-making, are described.. Based on the researc
h in this area, some strategies to support ethical decision-making by
nurses are proposed.