Theory Chapter 6

BOX 6-2 The international council of nurses Code of Ethics for Nurse

An international code of ethics for nurses was first adopted by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1953. It has been revised and reaffirmed at various times since, most recently with this review and revision completed in 2012. Preamble Nurses have four fundamental responsibilities: to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering. The need for nursing is universal. Inherent in nursing is a respect for human rights, including cultural rights, the right to life and choice, to dignity, and to be treated with respect. Nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by considerations of age, color, creed, culture, disability or illness, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, politics, race or social status. Nurses render health services to the individual, the family, and the community and coordinate their services with those of related groups. The ICN Code The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has four principal elements that outline the standards of ethical conduct. 1. Nurses and People The nurse's primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing care. In providing care, the nurse promotes an environment in which the human rights, values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the individual, family, and community are respected. The nurse ensures that the individual receives accurate, sufficient, and timely information in a culturally appropriate manner on which to base consent for care and related treatment. The nurse holds in confidence personal information and uses judgement in sharing this information. The nurse shares with society the responsibility for initiating and supporting action to meet the health and social needs of the public, in particular those of vulnerable populations. The nurse advocates for equity and social justice in resource allocation, access to health care and other social and economic services. The nurse demonstrates professional values such as respectfulness, responsiveness, compassion, trustworthiness, and integrity. 2. Nurses and Practice The nurse carries personal responsibility and accountability for nursing practice, and for maintaining competence by continual learning. The nurse maintains a standard of personal health such that the ability to provide care is not compromised. The nurse uses judgement regarding individual competence when accepting and delegating responsibility. The nurse at all times maintains standards of personal conduct which reflect well on the profession and enhance its image and public confidence. The nurse, in providing care, ensures that use of technology and scientific advances are compatible with the safety, dignity, and rights of people. The nurse strives to foster and maintain a practice culture promoting ethical behaviour and open dialogue. 3. Nurses and the Profession The nurse assumes the major role in determining and implementing acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice, management, research, and education. The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based professional knowledge that supports evidence-based practice. The nurse is active in developing and sustaining a core of professional values. The nurse, acting through the professional organisation, participates in creating a positive practice environment and maintaining safe, equitable social and economic working conditions in nursing. The nurse practices to sustain and protect the natural environment and is aware of its consequences on health. The nurse contributes to an ethical organisational environment and challenges unethical practices and settings. 4. Nurses and Co-Workers The nurse sustains a collaborative and respectful relationship with co-workers in nursing and other fields. The nurse takes appropriate action to safeguard individuals, families and communities when their health is endangered by a co-worker or any other person. The nurse takes appropriate action to support and guide co-workers to advance ethical conduct.

Professional Values

-Alturism -Autonomy -Human Dignity -Integrity -Social Justice

Box 6-3 American nurses association code for nurses

1. 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. 2. The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community. 3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient. 4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimum patient care. 5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth. 6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action. 7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development. 8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and with the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs. 9. The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for the articulating of nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Integrity

Acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice. Professional Behaviors: -Provides honest information to the patients and the public -Documents care accurately and honestly -Seeks to remedy errors made by self and others -Demonstrates accountability for own actions

Altruism

Concern for the well fare and well being of others Professional Behaviors: - Demonstrates understanding of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives of others - Advocates for patients, particularly the most vulnerable -Takes risks on behalf of patients and colleagues -Mentors other professionals

Human Dignity

Respect for inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and population Professional Behaviors: -Provides culturally competent and sensitive care -Protects the patients privacy -Preserves the confidentiality of patients toward health care providers - Designs care with sensitivity to individual patients needs

Autonomy

The right of self determination Professional Behaviors: - Plans care in partnerships with patients - Honors the rights of patients and families to make decisions about health care - Provides Information so that patients can make informed choices

Social Justice

Upholding moral, legal, and humanistic principles. Professional Behaviors: -Supports fairness and non discrimination in the delivery of care -Promotes universal access to health care -Encourages legislation and policy consistent with the advancement of nursing care and health care

Discussion of ethical decision making

pg100-103 and learning guide questions