<p>Aim The objective of this paper is to identify and explore some of the ethical and professional issues facing the clinical researcher-practitioner and to discuss how these were addressed in one particular study.</p> <p>Background The author’s experience of undertaking ethnographic research in the organisation in which she works as a nurse consultant highlighted a number of ethical and professional dilemmas. This paper discusses how some of these issues, particularly relating to informed consent, confidentiality, practice concerns and exploitation were addressed.</p> <p>Data sources Doctoral research (DMedSCi) with Sheffield University.</p> <p>Discussion This paper discusses the ethical and professional dilemmas and some of the advantages associated with the researcher-practitioner role.</p> <p>Conclusion This paper identifies and discusses the need to:</p> ■<p>Remember who the research is about and whom it should benefit.</p> ■<p>Include a wide research team.</p> ■<p>Acknowledge the researcher’s responsibility towards the participants.</p> ■<p>Identify and act on problems as they arise.</p> <p>Implication for research/practice The need to keep the participant as the focus of the research, to involve a wide research team and to reflect constantly on the process.</p>