This first study was qualitative research exploring perceived ethical obligations of practicing nurses.  This study identified that providing quality care and being a patient advocate is embedded in the nurse-patient relationship. The ability to provide quality care, be a patient advocate, and have a relationship-based practice are critical elements to the perception of being a good nurse and the subsequent development of a Good Nursing Model.

The second and most recent study was designed to determine relationships between perceived ethical obligations, job satisfaction, and retention of nurses in the context of an Internship. This quantitative research demonstrated several statistically strong relationships to job satisfaction and retention of both the interns and preceptors in the study.  These relationships are: (a) working in a caring environment that supports individual nurses’ ability to provide quality care; (b) being a patient advocate, and (c) having a relationship with the patient.

These studies demonstrate that ethics-based professional practice increases the perception of being able to meet the ethical obligations of nursing, be a patient advocate, derive job satisfaction, and continuation of employment in nursing.