Image from: https://scienceonscreen.org/films/miss-evers-boys

Before completing the ethics assignments, I believed nurses played a significant role in ethics regarding evidence implementation. Nurses are one of the most trusted professions. I thought the nurse’s role was to adhere to the principles of medical ethics like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, veracity, and fidelity. Another significant role I thought they had was to educate the patient about the purpose of the study, its aims, and possible benefits and risks associated with it. The nurse should not proceed with the study without the consent of the patient. When receiving the approval, the patient must be mentally capable of doing so.

After completing the ethics assignments, I felt the same about the nurse’s contribution to ethical conduct, but it expanded my knowledge. I understood the crucial role nurses play with ethical research and the IRB. The movie “Miss Evers’ Boys” showed why it’s essential to understand the historical evolution and principles of research ethics. The Tuskegee study demonstrated how people of color did not have “justice” when it came to treatment. It showed how effective treatment was available, but the investigation continued. The nurse in the movie had good intentions, but the film exemplified how the impact you have is what’s more important. It demonstrated the importance of understanding the principles of research when making a decision rather than intent.