Perioperative Nurses and Health Care Industry Representatives: Promoting Ethical Boundaries

Abstract

A perioperative nurse's first and foremost ethical obligation is to the patient. Obligations include not only advocating for the patient's best interests, welfare, and wishes, but ensuring that patient safety is never compromised and that the care provided is legal, evidenced-based, safe, ethical, and cost effective. Inherent goals in the nurse–patient relationship are: respect for personhood; upholding the ethical principal of autonomy; and respecting the patient's right to self-determination. This article discusses the perioperative nurse's ethical obligations within the context of the nurse–industry representative relationship and how to avoid conflict of interests within the context of the patient–nurse relationship. All products should be evaluated impartially, taking into consideration patient care needs, best evidence, cost effectiveness, and regulatory requirements.