Several ethical issues that confront today’s oncology nurse are briefly discussed: suicide, spirituality, access to health care, reimbursement & adequacy of therapy. As biomedical technology increases, suicide & the right to refuse treatment forces individuals to accept choices about the prolongation of life that previously did not have to be confronted. The nurse must become experienced in suicide asssessment skills & plan interventions appropriately. An assessment tool is included. (KM)