What is the nursing code of ethics?

The Nursing Code of Ethics

The nursing code of ethics is a set of principles that nurses follow to guide their professional conduct. The code is based on the following four core values:

* Autonomy: The right of patients to make decisions about their own health care.

* Beneficence: The obligation of nurses to act in the best interests of their patients.

* Nonmaleficence: The obligation of nurses to do no harm to their patients.

* Justice: The obligation of nurses to treat all patients fairly and equitably.

The nursing code of ethics is not a set of rules, but rather a set of guidelines that nurses can use to make decisions about their practice. The code is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the nursing profession and the public.

The current version of the nursing code of ethics was adopted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 2015. The code consists of nine provisions, which are as follows:

1. Nurses have a primary duty to promote and protect the health of patients and clients.

2. Nurses respect the rights of patients and clients to self-determination and to make decisions about their own health care.

3. Nurses provide compassionate and respectful care to all patients and clients, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

4. Nurses act with integrity and honesty in all aspects of their practice.

5. Nurses maintain confidentiality of patient and client information.

6. Nurses collaborate with other health care professionals to provide the best possible care for patients and clients.

7. Nurses advocate for the health of patients and clients by speaking out against unsafe or unethical practices.

8. Nurses strive to improve their knowledge and skills through continuing education.

9. Nurses are committed to the profession of nursing and to the values of the nursing code of ethics.

The nursing code of ethics is a valuable resource for nurses in making decisions about their practice. The code can help nurses to:

* Clarify their values and beliefs about nursing.

* Make decisions that are in the best interests of their patients and clients.

* Avoid conflicts of interest.

* Maintain their professional competence.

* Advocate for the health of patients and clients.

* Build trust with patients and clients.

The nursing code of ethics is a living document that is constantly evolving. As the nursing profession changes, so too does the code. The ANA regularly reviews and updates the code to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of the profession and the public.