<P> The distinction can be examined from different theoretical angles . Despite the move toward more deontological themes by some, there continues to be an interest in virtue ethics in nursing ethics and some support for an ethic of care . This is considered by its advocates to emphasise relationships over abstract principles and therefore to reflect the caring relationship in nursing more accurately than other ethical views . Themes that emphasize the dignity of the patient by promoting a respectful and caring attitude from nurses are also commonly seen . </P> <P> Nurses seek to defend the dignity of those in their care . Being able to respond to the vulnerability of patients in a way that provides dignifying care is a key concept in the field . </P> <P> In terms of standard ethical theory, respecting dignity can also be aligned with having a respect for people and their autonomous choices . People are then enabled to make decisions about their own treatment . Amongst other things this grounds the practice of informed consent that should be respected by the nurse, although much of the debate lies in the discussion of cases where people are unable to make choices about their own treatment due to being incapacitated or having a mental illness that affects their judgement . A suggested way to maintain autonomy is for the person to write an advance directive, outlining how they wish to be treated in the event of their inability to make an informed choice, thus avoiding unwarranted paternalism . </P> <P> Another theme is confidentiality and this is an important principle in many nursing ethical codes . This is where information about the person is only shared with others after permission of the person, unless it is felt that the information must be shared to comply with a higher duty such as preserving life . Related to information giving is the debate relating to truth telling in interactions with the person in care . There is a balance between people having the information required to make an autonomous decision and, on the other hand, not being unnecessarily distressed by the truth . Generally the balance is in favour of truth telling due to respect for autonomy, but sometimes people will ask not to be told, or may lack the capacity to understand the implications . Finally, the role of empirical ethics has become prominent in recent years . </P>

When was the nursing code of ethics established