Letter From the Editor
Dear Readers:
Welcome to the third issue of our online newsletter, Ethics and Human Rights Issues Update! This issue begins with the personal reflections of our former intern Tamara Cyhan who was on duty on September 11, 2001. Tamara considers the meaning of the tragedy for the profession of nursing and the new professional responsibilities that we face. This is followed by a scholarly consideration of the topic of moral distress among nurses by Professor Alvita Nathaniel of West Virginia University School of Nursing and a member of our Center Advisory Board. In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001 and in view of the current nursing shortage, the topic of moral distress is receiving careful attention. This is important for at least two reasons. First, if nurses can begin to identify sources of moral distress, then they can more clearly go about the business of finding solutions. Second, moral distress in the delivery of health care is not unique to nurses, other health care professionals and also patients and their families are involved. A common understanding of the phenomenon of moral distress may be beneficial to all.
The topic of confidentiality is ably addressed by Professor Susan B. Dickey of Temple University School of Nursing, also a member of the Center's Advisory Board. In her article entitled, "Silence is Not Enough: Maintaining Confidentiality in an Electronic World, Susan considers the many challenging aspects of maintaining confidentiality of health care information and makes reference to the relevant sections of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Pertinent aspects of our newly revised Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements are also highlighted.
Finally, Mary Jean Schumann, our new director of the ANA Department of Nursing Practice and Policy addresses the moral imperative of preventing adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. Mary Jean is the former executive director of the National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention. Recent public policy pronouncements such as the Surgeon General's Call to Action, articles in the Guttmacher Report on Public Policy and more are the sources of Schumann's analysis ending with concrete strategies for action by nurses.
As you can see from this impressive array of topics, we face serious ethical issues as nurses. Many of these issues also raise important human rights concerns. Enjoy the following articles and please share you reactions and suggestions for future issues. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Gladys B. White, Ph.D., R.N.
Editor and
Director of the Center for Ethics and Human Rights