Ethics in the Field of Nursing

 directly involved in that patient’s care. However
Nursing is a profession that demands trust. A patientthere are exceptions to this provision. Information
places their health and well being not only in theshould also be disclosed if it may protect other
hands of their physicians, but in the hands of theirindividuals or become a public health concern. There
nurses as well. So, to ensure that new nursesare also exceptions to the rule for things such as
understand, and experienced nurses remember, thispeer reviews, third party payments, lawsuits, and
aspect of their profession, a nurse’s code ofrehabilitations; but patient information must be
ethic was developed. Ethics in the field of nursing aredisclosed in a way that upholds any and all privacy
meant to hold nurses accountable to the highestpolicies, protocols, laws, and/or regulations. Taking
standards for patients care. It is important to noteappropriate action when any member of a health
that there are many versions of this code. However,team is acting inappropriately or practicing under any
since most the notable difference is the terminologyundo influence is also covered under this provision.
and level of detail in which each topic is described,The fourth provision discusses the need for nurses
we will touch on the most common concepts orto take responsibility and to be held accountable for
provisions.their actions. The actions of a nurse will affect a
The first and most important provision of ethics inpatient’s standard of care. Therefore, nurses
the field of nursing is to practice with the compassionmust ensure that they show sound judgment in
and understanding that all individuals should treatedtreating patients and delegating tasks to other
with dignity and respect regardless of their healthnurses. In delegating, nurses must ensure that they
problems, social status, race, religion, disability, financialdelegate to a healthcare professional who is capable
status, or creed. This particular ethical provision isand qualified to complete the task.
broken down to further outline the importance of aSince nursing can be a thankless profession, the next
nurse’s relationship with patience, the respect forprovision mandates that nurses treat themselves
human dignity, the relationships with colleagues andwith the care in which they treat their patients. This
peers, and the right of self-determination, or aprovision calls for the nurse to continue to grow and
patient’s right to decide their fate provided theylearn their craft; take time for him or herself; and,
are given accurate information regarding theirpreserve their integrity and moral self-respect.
condition and options.There are also provisions that outline a nurse’s
The second provision in the code of ethics for nursesresponsibility to the public and the need for nurses to
is that a nurse’s primary commitment is to thepositively influence their working environment. Nurses
patient. This section discusses how nurses shouldhave a responsibility to use their knowledge for the
wade through conflicts where a nurse’s patientbetterment of those around them. They should not
and others, typically family members, other lovedget caught up in the negativity of others, even if it is
ones, or employers, have differing opinions on carecoming from coworkers or superiors in their
and treatment needed. In these situations a nurseworkplace.
must maintain the integrity of the nursing profession,The final provisions call for nurses to strive to take
by safeguarding the patient’s best interest. Thisthe profession forward through research, identifying
provision also specifies the need for collaborationhealth needs and concerns, and by staying abreast of
between nurses, other medical professionals, and anyand implementing best practices for patient care,
other person relevant to a patient’s care. Finallyhealthcare, and new technology.
there is section that outlines the need forEthics in the field of nursing is as important as the
professional boundaries. The code of ethics describesprofession itself. So to ensure uniformity the
the need for nurses to maintain professionalism inAmerican Nurses Association created a Nursing Code
relationships with patients and colleagues in order toof Ethics. However, it is important to note that
ensure their patients receive the best care possible.although this is the most popular code, there are
Next, there is the need for a nurse to promote notothers, specifically for various other countries. This
only a patient’s health and wellbeing, but also thestandard for nurses has been updated over the
rights of a patient. This provision covers the need foryears and will continue to change with the healthcare
privacy and confidentiality. This section specifies thatindustry. Yet, the heart of the ethical code for nurses
only the information vital to a patient’s healthis and will always be the health and welfare of their
should be disclosed and only to those who arepatients.