The filament of ethics that wends its way throughout
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. Subjectivity
and collaboration makes the researcher vulnerable.
Emotionally immersed in the lived experience
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 debriefing
to explore personal responses and weigh risk/
benefits. Personal education in ethics and consultation
with experts when it is believed that the nurseresearcher
is being hurt is advocated.