Code of Ethics
A code of ethics is designed and implemented in a healthcare facility to solve ethical dilemmas that can develop in one’s profession (Prozgar, 2016). A healthcare facility’s code of ethics are guidelines, regulations, and values in which facilities bestow on their employees of all professions. Individuals of different professions work simultaneous with each other in a interprofessional environment. These professions are contracted and educated to obey the code of ethics in the workplace. For the field of medicine, a code of ethics is not optional, but mandatory (Limentani, 1998). Such code of ethics can be of guidance to accomplish difficult scenarios by establishing secure moral conclusions. Ethical codes can set the attitude
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This document has nine ANA Codes of Ethics, along with a description of how the ANA Code of Ethics will be established and structured in Vanderbilt. The formulation of a simple set of rules does not accomplish the desired results of a code of ethics, but having additional ways for employees to interpret these rules supply for the code of ethics to be effective (Dahnke, 2014). The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses at Vanderbilt Hospitals and Clinics states each rule or regulation, that is then followed with how exactly that ethic is shown in the workplace and how Vanderbilt will conduct evaluation and education to make sure that particular sector of the code is being obeyed. This gives the opportunity for the employed nurses at Vanderbilt to understand completely what is expected of them and those around them. The Vanderbilt code of ethics includes topics such as: professional relationships; nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient’s, protection, health, safety, and rights; nurse’s responsibility and accountability for patients; preserving integrity and safety by continuing personal growth; participate in improving the healthcare environment; advancing the profession of nursing through education and practice; collaboration with outside healthcare sources; and shaping social …show more content…
The topics covered by this specific code of ethics are important, because they focus on the main job or duty as a nurse. These topics show importance of a nurse’s position to provide for the patient for the good of the patient. They also give directions to renew nurse’s education and skill set, to keep the facility up to date with new treatment and procedures along with perfecting the nurse’s skill set. The nurse’s obligation to converse with other health professionals give a scene of unity within healthcare.
Cons. What this specific code of ethics fails to include, is the importance of a nurse to respect patients culture, religion, and heritage. For example, if this code was not in place, a nurse might feel as though he/she is allowed to speak against a religion or tradition that is not of his/her own. For example, one’s culture or religion might allow for the option to use contraceptive, while another does not. The United States of America is of such diversity, including a sector within the ethical code of eliminating discrimination is a must for any healthcare facility.
The main points of provision five of the ANA code of ethics are as follows: section 5.1, which is moral self-respect, suggests that nurses must care for themselves as much as they care for their patients. Nurses must do their best to maintain professional respect to themselves in regards of their competence and moral character. Section 5.2, which is professional growth and maintenance of competence, suggests that nurses must continue to self and peer evaluate themselves throughout their careers. Nurses must continue to learn current, up to date nursing practices through self, peer, and higher education. Section 5.3, which is wholeness of character, suggests that nurses must develop and take into consideration their own moral perspectives when practicing in their careers. Nurses are encouraged to express their moral viewpoint when it is helpful to the recovery of their patients, but must never express moral beliefs based on social stigmas that could negatively affect patient outcomes.
One cannot fake being a nurse, one must be extremely genuine in order to perfect being a nurse; therefore, explaining why nurses enforce and value their code of ethics. The purpose of the code of ethics is to ensure patient safety and implement standard of care by following the nine provisions of ethics. The nine provisions explain the nurses’ responsibility while caring for a patient; for example, maintaining the rights and autonomy of a patient. Another point that the provisions highlight is being the patient advocate, nurses are in the front line of patient care and they must protect their patients. An important guideline that the nine provision emphasize is the need and requirement for nurses to continue with their education to promote beneficent and to avoid maleficent. The National Nursing Association (ANA) states that the nursing code of ethics “reiterates the fundamental and the commitment of the nurse” (Lachman, Swanson, & Windland-brown, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the obligations and duty of a nurse and why it is important when attempting to maintain standard of care.
The first provision of the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) “Code of Ethics” states, “ The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices 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.” The second provision states, “The nurse’s primary commitment is the patient, whether the patient is an individual, family, group, or community” (Fowler, 2010). As nurses we need to respect the autonomy and allow for the patient to express their choices and concerns. We also need to provide them with support by giving them knowledge and understanding so they
A code of ethics provides a standard by which nurses conduct themselves and their practice, observing ethical obligations of the profession and providing quality care. To achieve its purpose, a code of ethics must be understood, internalized, and used by nurses in all aspects of their work” (Aliakvari, 2015, p. 494).
Challenges with making a mandatory education system might stem from the diversity of the nursing profession and the continuing education. One example of the diversity in nursing would be the needs of a Urology nurse might be drastically different from the needs of a school nurse. Another problem may be seen with difficulty accessing proper education or insufficient continuing education. Mandatory continuing education could be challenging for those nurses whom are between jobs and having to pay for continuing education out of pocket, or are unsure of which continuing education they should obtain when between jobs. Finally, a disadvantage of
As a nurse it is our primary job to protect and promote the well being of patients throughout the health care industry. Each nurse has the responsibility to practice faithfully and to uphold all ethical values. These values are outlined and regulated by two very important entities, The Nursing Practice Acts and the Texas Board of Nursing. Nursing Practice Acts, are specific laws in each state that define a nurse’s scope of practice. These acts were first established in 1909 with the purpose of protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Their purpose is to provide rules and regulations that will protect society from unsafe and unqualified nurses. Nursing professionalism is rooted in the ethics and ...
American Nurses Association. (2015, January 2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements, 1-76. Retrieved from
The Code of Ethics for Nurses was created to be a guide for nurses to perform their duties in a way that is abiding with the ethical responsibilities of the nursing profession and quality in nursing care. The Code of Ethics has excellent guidelines for how nurses should behave, however; these parameters are not specific. They do not identify what is right and wrong, leaving nurses having to ultimately make that decision. Ethics in nursing involves individual interpretation based on personal morals and values. Nursing professionals have the ethical accountability to be altruistic, meaning a nurse who cares for patients without self-interest. This results in a nurse functioning as a patient advocate, making decisions that are in the best interest of the patient and practicing sound nursing ethics.
As a nurse, we serve a society which is very culturally diverse. We provide care to many individuals whom have their own unique set of ethics, values, morals, and beliefs by which may be very different from our own. Because of our professional role, we must use lifelong learning as a tool to broaden our views, increase our knowledge, and understand the influences which affect it. To make this possible, we have to continually educate ourselves about the nursing laws, professional standards, and code of ethics all of which we are committed to.
The ethics are designed to govern decision-making, govern actions and represent common ways to self-regualte conduct. Counselors accept the Code of Ethics as a Constitution that that outline a set of principles that define actions when faced with ethical dilemmas or debatable situations. All the Codes of Ethics outline specific behaviors that are required or rejected as a condition of ongoing practice. Codes of Ethics have helped some companies dig themselves out of scandals and have helped others build and maintain a solid reputation.
In conclusion, there are numerous legal and ethical issues apparent in the nursing practice. Nurses should study and be as informed as they can with ethics and legality within their field in order to ensure no mistakes occur. Ethical issues vary based on patient’s views, religion, and environment. Nurses are influenced by these same views, but most of the time they are not the same as the patients. As a nurse we must learn to put the care of our patients and their beliefs, rights, and wishes before our own personal
The nursing code of ethics has a very standard definition. It is the base on how nurses should guide themselves in conduct by making the right decision regarding ethical issues. According to the National Student Nurses Association “students of nursing have a responsibility to society in learning the academic theory and clinical skills needed to provide nursing care” (2003). In the clinical setting nurses have a lot of responsibilities while caring for an ill patient, they have the obligation to practice their profession with compassion, love, and respect the uniqueness of each patient, as nurses we are not supposed to deny care to a patient because of their economic status, their skin color, race, or the nature of health problems, we are here to help the people in need in particular those of susceptible populations. The NSNA states that the code of conduct is based on an understanding that to practice nursing as a student is an agreement that trust and honesty is depended on us by society. The announcement of the code provided direction for the nursing student in the personal development of an ethical foundation and not limited to the academic or clinical environment but can assist in the holistic development of a person. (National Student Nurses Association, 2003)
Professionalism in the workplace in many professions can be simplified into general categories such as neat appearance, interaction with clients, punctuality, general subject knowledge, and likability. In nursing, professionalism encompasses a much more broad and inclusive set of criteria than any other profession. Nurses specifically are held to a higher standard in nearly every part of their job. Nurses are not only expected to uphold what it seen as professional in the aforementioned categories, but they are also expected to promote health, wellbeing, and advocate for patients, but also continually provide the highest standard of care, demonstrate exemplary subject and procedural knowledge, and abide by the Code of ethics set forth by the American Nurses Association. This Code of Ethics includes the complex moral and ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, honesty, and integrity.
Integrity, respect for persons, justice, non-maleficence, and responsibility are all identified within the code, however compassion is not directly stated but is implied. To show compassion for others during suffering is an almost automatic response in nursing. When nurses decide to act either beneficently or non-maleficently they are doing a service to those being cared for. When dealing with human lives moral value becomes especially important, and is not situationally dependent. Ethical neutrality does not have a place in professional ethics, and an obligation to respect the moral values is necessary. The code deals with specific issues related to the nursing profession, and ensures standards are upheld. Creation of code of ethics within a profession limits misconduct, create safeguards, promote trust for the profession within society, and preserves the integrity of the profession (Soskolne, 1984) It is important for me to emphasize the difference between the nurse’s code of ethics and the Hippocratic Oath. The nurses ethical code is tailored toward the care provided to the patient, and not the involved science and diagnostic aspect of the
Nurses are not only expected to follow morals and principles of nursing but to incorporate them as part of what it means to be a nurse. The Code of Ethics for Nurses was established by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and provides