The field of nursing can expand from the bedside towards research for best practice and development of systems that benefit patients, staff, and the medical institution as a whole. In order for a nurse to have a good ethical standpoint in their clinical work and their nursing research, it is important to understand patient autonomy, have self-awareness and practice cultural relativism. When conducting research, it is vital that the nurse implement and generate information within an ethical boundary. This includes allowing the patients to make their own decisions based on their knowledge and beliefs. The nurse can play a role in educating the patients; however, they must respect the patient regardless of the decision that is made. Nurse’s must also set ethical boundaries around their personal beliefs and feelings towards patients or a situation. Best practice does not include the nurse’s personal opinions or beliefs, but rather doing what is best for the patient and their treatment. Cultural relativism also plays an important part of the nursing role; nurses must understand how culture can impact the treatment plans of the patient and how they perceive health. To conduct research and implement research findings ethically, the nurse must be thorough, honest, and competent in their area of study and practice.