Code of Ethical Behavior in Nursing Practice

Ethics are the principles that guide nursing decisions and conduct as they pertain to what is right or wrong. They also involve moral behavior. The nurse is expected to behave in a way that maintains the integrity of the client and family. Situations often arise that require the nurse to make a judgment; a dilemma results when the nurse’s values differ from those of the client and family. The nurse must remember that the client has the right to make decisions for herself without the nurse expressing his opinion. In 2001, the American Nurses Association released the Code of Ethics for Nursing. This code discusses the obligation and duties of the nurse. The following list describes the Code of Ethics for Nursing:

• The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of the individual, unrestricted by social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of the disease. For example, the nurse might not be comfortable caring for the alcoholic client but is ethically obligated to provide the best and most compassionate care possible.

• The nurse is committed to the client, whether the client is an individual, a family, or a community. The home health nurse might be asked to care not only for the client, but also the family and or the whole community. In some cultures, the family and community are included in decision making. The nurse must respect the client’s wishes in this matter.

• The nurse is expected to promote the protection of the client and protect the health, safety, and rights of the client.

• The nurse is responsible for and accountable to delegate tasks consistent with optimal client care. The nurse is expected to be aware of the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare workers.

• The nurse is expected to preserve the integrity and safety to maintain competence and to continue personal and professional growth. This basically means that in states where continuing education units are required, the nurse will abide by these regulations to keep his license current.

• The nurse participates in activities that improve the conditions of the work environment. He is also responsible for promoting activities that foster ethical values in nursing.

• The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through education, research, and development of nursing knowledge.

• The nurse collaborates with others in the health community to meet client needs.

• The nurse is responsible for maintaining the integrity of nursing and its practice and for shaping social policy. This is done through professional organizations.