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

David Seedhouse is a truly original thinker and prolific author, highly regarded by health practitioners, teachers and students alike. Though David has a background in philosophy, his work is always focused on solving practical problems. Professor Seedhouse is best know for his writing on health and ethics, yet his work straddles many areas of social, philosophical and political concern. He has written or edited 14 books and produced over 200 book chapters, journal papers and other articles. His library includes the highly successful editions of Health: The Foundations for Achievement and Ethics: The Heart of Healthcare; the full list of his titles is given at the back of this book. His primary interest no lies in the development of software to enable transparent decision-making in healthcare, local democracy, schools and other social settings. The considerable practical impact of David's work can be seen - and engaged with - at www.values-exchange.com. David is Professor of Health and Social Ethics at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand and Professor of Health Care Analysis at Middlesex University, London. He is CEO of VIDe Ltd - www.vide.co.nz - and a popular keynote conference speaker internationally.