It is difficult to understand the meaning of 'dignity' in human rights, bioethics and nursing literature because the word is used so vaguely. Unless dignity's meaning is spelt out it can disappear beneath more tangible priorities. In this article we define dignity and show how this can help health workers to maintain the dignity of people in their care.

David Seedhouse's latest book proposes a Universal Ethical Code - ethical guidance many nurse theorists have previously thought impossible. "This is an informed, clear and concise book that addresses the complex philosophical underpinnings of nursing practice. For many students and practising nurses this easy-to-read and thought-provoking text will prove invaluable in helping them understand the very nature of nursing and the work that nurses do."—Leslie Gelling, BSc(Hons) MA RGN, Research Nurse, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, UK. "The text is (...) an admirable feat in the difficult task of combining theory and practice: David Seedhouse has worked them into a seamless coherent whole which culminates in a practical code of ethics for nurses."—Leila Shotton, RN PhD, Lecturer in Nursing Ethics, University of Tasmania, Australia. "The reader is helped in a clear and direct way, using philosophical analysis, to understand the concepts that underpin practice."—Kevin J Power, MA BA (Hons) RSCN RGN DipN Cert ED, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, De Montford University, Leicester, UK "This book, bold in scope, represents a return to the pursuit of comprehensive nursing theory."—Douglas Olsen, RN PhD, Yale University, USA Nursing ideals and analytical philosophy rarely overlap. As a result, existing nursing codes fail to define key terms clearly enough to enable nurses to apply them. David Seedhouse tackles this problem by looking at nine key concept, explains their meaning and shows how they can be applied in everyday situations. The result is a precise yet compassionate framework which enables nurses to reflect deeply about the importance of their work, and can suipport them as they strive to make ethically sound decisions. Provides a practical approach to traditionally intangible health care issues Includes an array of accessible case studies and diagrams Offers sensible strategies for nurses to implement philisophical insights in their daily care Any nurse, or other health care worker, who has wondered how best to apply key words such as 'care', 'dignity' and 'ethics' in everyday situations will find this practical and informed clarification indispensible. (shrink)