The filament of ethics that wends its way through- out qualitative research gets its tensile strength through a respect for the dignity, autonomy, and rights of the respondent. Care must be taken to realize that the same principles apply to the researcher. Sub- jectivity and collaboration makes the researcher vul- nerable. Emotionally immersed in the lived experi- ence of others, continually sensitive to the potentially injurious nature of language, and experiencing the rights of passage as an interviewer/observer-all require an inner strength that can be enhanced by self-care. The researcher can use the ethics committee as a guide and support throughout the process. She can use de- briefing to explore personal responses and weigh risk/ benefits. Personal education in ethics and consultation with experts when it is believed that the nurse- researcher is being hurt is advocated.
Ethics is woven into the fabric of qualitative re- search and must be given serious thought throughout the process. Examples of ethics dilemmas should be shared among nurse researchers-at conferences and in print. The constructivist paradigm is young in its development, therefore the need for dialogue about such matters is crucial.