The NZNA Code of Ethics: Does it Help Resolve Ethical Dilemmas in Practice? 

Introduction
Nurses are forced to deal with ethical dilemmas of many types and in many different contexts during their careers.  Nursing clients who have a life threatening illness is one particular area where issues related to patient rights and nursing obligations abound.  It is of importance that the nurse has the ability to make morally sound decisions based on knowledge of the law, understanding of ethical issues, honesty with and to oneself, and with reference to an ethical framework that guides nursing practice (Saunders, 1990: 115-116).