Code of Ethics

A code of ethics is a set of written principles regarding conduct and behavior created by the organization to serve as a guide. The purpose of ethical codes is to give its employees, management, and any interested party a reference point that adheres to company policy, standards, and ethical beliefs. The code is made visible to the public to ensure professional integrity, quality, and to prevent misguided conduct. Regardless of the organization or governing body a code serves as a go-to guide because ethical issues can stem from anywhere at any given time. The Code of Ethics for Nurses is so dynamic because as technology changes, so does the code to ensure that updated knowledge is provided to healthcare workers as they address new ethical issues on a continuum. Contained in the nursing Code of Ethics is a myriad of topics, however, the topics of great importance to me are: autonomy, privacy, confidentiality, and acting on questionable practice (whistle blowing). These topics are outlined in further detail under Provisions 1, and 3 of the Nursing Code of Ethics.

Provision 1.1 in the Nursing Code of Ethics states that “the nurse, as a professional, should practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems (Association, 2005). “Respect for human dignity is a fundamental principle that views every individual as a person that has worth and value” (Association, 2005) and goes hand in hand with autonomy. It is easy to create biases when caring for people of different backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses, but it is essential that those persons are allowed to make t...

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...the hospital administrator the hospital administrator bypassing the director of nursing warned Mrs. Lewis that she would be terminated if she reported another incidence of abuse. It was said to Mrs. Lewis that Shady rest brought a great deal of business to the hospital and good relations had to be maintained. Despite retaliation, Mrs. Lewis consulted a lawyer who threatened to expose the hospital if any of its members failed to report another incidence of abuse. The question was posed was it ethical the actions taken by Mrs. Lewis. The overall consensus was that it was. Mrs. Lewis ensured that her facts were correct; she presented the issue to the authority above her and helped to ensure the safety of elderly patients from that particular nursing home. There will always be issues with whistle blowing but the outcome should always protect the welfare of the patient.