ETHICAL ASPECTS IN THE EXERCISING OF NURSING: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Through an integrative review of the literature this study aimed to identify Brazilian and international on-line scientific production on the subject of Ethics in Nursing. Fifty-three scientific articles published in the period 2001 – 2010 were analyzed. The article search was undertaken in the databank of the Virtual Health Library and in the website of the Coordination for Perfection of Higher Education Personnel. The survey showed that 69.8% of the articles published on the theme are Brazilian, indicating a good outlook for ethical reflection in the area of health care and in the academic preparation of Nursing professionals. Production, however, remains incipient in relation to this thematic, the development of studies and research for greater deepening of this field being necessary. The incorporation of ethical and legal aspects into the professional experience of the nurse is crucial for quality integral nursing care.