MW1102: Health Ethics and Communication

Course Description:

This course explores foundational concepts in communication and ethics. It prepares students to build professional nurse-patient relationships, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and apply ethical decision-making in clinical practice. This subject highlights the principles of professional practice and professional regulation in nursing as a foundation upon which to build practice. It is a basis for all modules/subjects in the nursing curriculum.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

1. Demonstrate therapeutic communication skills appropriate for diverse patient populations and clinical situations.
2. Apply principles of active listening, empathy, and cultural competence in patient care and professional interactions.
3. Establish and maintain professional nurse-patient relationships based on trust, respect, and clear boundaries.
4. Analyze ethical dilemmas using ethical theories, principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice), and decision-making frameworks.
5. Respect and protect patient rights, including confidentiality, informed consent, and dignity in all aspects of care.
6. Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, using professional communication strategies.

Required Materials:

• Textbooks Health Ethics and Communication: Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2022). Nursing ethics: Across the curriculum and into practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (Latest edition). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses.
• Lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, and institutional guidelines
• Case studies on ethical dilemmas and communication scenarios
• International codes of ethics for nurses (ICN, ANA)
• Simulation labs for role-play in communication (e.g., breaking bad news, handling conflict)

Short videos/movies demonstrating ethical decision-making and therapeutic communication.