Follow the Nursing Code of Ethics?

The medical profession is a profession in which ethical dilemmas sometimes arise, but often a decision must be made quickly. Doctors and nurses have little time to debate the philosophy of ethics, as medicine is a practical field. Nurses and doctors alike have ethical guidelines to follow that can help guide decisions in tough cases and define what it means to be a nurse or doctor. The nursing code of ethics, which can be broken down into nine statements, serves as a moral standard for all nurses to follow. The tenets of the nursing code of ethics will be briefly outlined below.

It is a nurse's duty to provide health care to a patient, regardless of whether they agree with a patient's beliefs or background. That is to say, a nurse has a professional relationship with the patient and discrimination is not accepted in the nursing profession. A nurse should treat individuals under their care with respect and dignity.

The nurse's duty is to care for the patient. Often, nurses may have to deal with conflict-of-interest situations, but they should remember that their duty to the patient is more important than duties to colleagues or other influences.

Nurses should protect a patient's right to confidentiality and privacy and keep the safety of the patient in mind. A nurse should also remember that a patient has the right to decide whether or not they will participate in a clinical trial and respect the patient's wishes.

Nurses are responsible for their own actions and should be held accountable for their actions.

Nurses should maintain integrity by standing up for what they think is right, within reasonable limits. Nurses should commit to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Nurses should actively influence the health care environment individually and as a collective.

Nurses should participate in health care and policy. By doing their job well, nurses advance the nursing profession and contribute to medical practice.

Nurses have responsibilities to their coworkers and also to the public which they serve and collaborate with.

Nurses should maintain intraprofessional integrity and work together to influence society and bring about social change.