title: Descriptive and normative ethics: conscientious objection.
abstract: Conscientious objection preserves the personal integrity and wholeness of a health care professional's character and personality. Professionals are obligated not only to codes of ethics and standards of care that guide their practices, but also to personal values. When professional and personal values conflict with health care delivery, nurses are compelled to object on moral grounds on behalf of themselves and the public they serve.
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003242:Conscience; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D010344:Patient Advocacy