title: Moral agency in nursing.
abstract: Moral agency involves risk. It is an action that is at odds with the traditional role of the nurse. However, as nurses assume more responsibility and accountability for client management and outcomes in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment, it is essential to approach ethical dilemmas in a manner consistent with the caring component of nursing. Case examples are utilized to illustrate the attributes necessary for nurses to fulfill their obligations in their nurse-client relationships.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Raines
mesh_terms: D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D035863:Moral Development; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012941:Social Responsibility