Refereed journal article or data article (A1)
Health and social care educators' ethical competence
List of Authors: Camilla Koskinen, Monika Koskinen, Meeri Koivula, Hilkka Korpi, Minna Koskimäki, Marja-Leena Lähteenmäki, Kristina Mikkonen, Terhi Saaranen, Leena Salminen, Tuulikki Sjögren, Marjorita Sormunen, Outi Wallin, Maria Kääriäinen
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Nursing Ethics
Journal acronym: NURS ETHICS
Article number: UNSP 0969733019871678
Volume number: 27
Issue number: 4
Start page: 1115
End page: 1126
Number of pages: 12
ISSN: 0969-7330
eISSN: 1477-0989
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0969733019871678
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/42617114
Background and purpose: Educators' ethical competence is of crucial importance for developing students' ethical thinking. Previous studies describe educators' ethical codes and principles. This article aims to widen the understanding of health- and social care educators' ethical competence in relation to core values and ethos.
Methods: Data material was collected from nine educational units for healthcare and social service in Finland. In total 16 semi-structured focus group interviews with 48 participants were conducted. The interviews were analysed with a thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke.
Ethical considerations: The study is approved by the Declaration of Helsinki, the legislation regarding personal data and the General Data Protection Regulation. The study received ethical permission from the University of Jyvaskyla. Informed consent was obtained from all the educational units and participants in the study.
Findings: The findings are presented based on three general patterns, an ethical basic motive, an ethical bearing and ethical actions. Subthemes are Humane view of students as unique individuals with individual learning, Bearing of tactfulness and firmness, Bearing of perceptiveness and accessibility, Bearing of satisfaction and joy over student learning, Valuing bearing towards each oneself and colleagues, Ability to interact and flexibility, Collegiality and a supportive work community and Educators as role models and inspirators.
Conclusion: Educators' personal and professional ethos is crucial to student learning, personal growth and ethical reasoning. Therefore, it is important to further develop educators' training regarding ethical competence.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |