This paper on ethical issues in the gerontological nursing curriculum explores meanings of the concept of ethics and differences between ethical decision making and other decision-making processes. Four mind-sets about health care that influence the analysis of ethical dilemmas, identified by M. Aroskar, are described. The contributions of Kohlberg's and Gilligan's theories concerning stages of moral development are noted. A model for ethical decision making, developed by J. E. Thompson and H. O. Thompson, is presented, including the following 10 steps: review the situation, gather additional information, identify the ethical issues in the situation, identify personal and professional moral positions, identify the moral position of key individuals involved, identify the value conflicts, determine who should decide, identify range of actions with anticipated outcomes, decide on a course of action and carry it out, and evaluate/review results. (18 references) (JDD)