PhD. Nursing, Welwitchia University
STUDY TITLE: EXPLORATION OF ETHICAL ISSUES FOR NURSING STUDIES IN NAMIBIA
Abstract
Ethical issues are a persistent challenge in nursing studies in Namibia, where student nurses must navigate complex situations withing the boundaries of ethical frameworks. Despite existing ethical guidelines and frameworks, gaps in knowledge and inconsistent application of ethical principles have been reported among nurses in Namibian health facilities.
This study proposes qualitative approach to explore the ethical challenges faced by student nurses in Namibia and strategies for addressing them. Data will be collected using a semi-structured interview guide, allowing for in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences and perceptions. The interview guide will consist of open-ended questions designed to elicit detailed, contextualized accounts of ethical dilemmas encountered during nursing studies and in clinical practice, the decision-making processes involved, and perceived barriers to ethical conduct. Purposeful sampling will be used to recruit student nurses with diverse backgrounds and experience levels from selected Namibian hospitals. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring themes and patterns.
It is anticipated that the study will reveal a range of ethical challenges, which may include breach of confidentiality, informed consent issues, and inequitable care due to resource constraints. Thematic analysis is expected to highlight both individual and systemic factors influencing ethical practice, as well as strategies student nurses employ to navigate these challenges.
Findings from this study may inform the development of targeted ethics education and policy interventions aimed at strengthening ethical practice among Namibian student nurses.
KEY WORDS: Nursing ethics, Ethical issues, Student nurses