Ethics in nursing refers to the moral principles and values that guide the nursing profession and the decisions made by nurses in their daily practice. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has developed a Code of Ethics for Nurses, which serves as a guide for nurses to practice competently with integrity and to provide quality care to patients. The nursing code of ethics includes four main principles: autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence.
Here are some key points to know about ethics in nursing:
- Ethics are essential for all healthcare providers, including nurses.
- The nursing profession has a Code of Ethics developed by the ANA.
- The Code of Ethics guides nurses in their daily practice and sets primary goals and values for the profession.
- The nursing code of ethics includes four main principles: autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence.
- Nurses are patient advocates and must find a balance while delivering care.
- Nurses deal with ethical issues daily, and ethical dilemmas may conflict with the Code of Ethics or with the nurses ethical values.
- Nurses need to practice professional humility and flexible thinking.
- Cultural awareness is an important area of ethics in nursing.
- Nurses must have access to a wide range of information and keep up-to-date with advances in ethical practices.
- The nursing code of ethics promotes fair treatment toward all individuals and denounces discrimination for any reason.
In summary, ethics in nursing is an essential aspect of the nursing profession that guides nurses in their daily practice and helps them provide quality care to patients. The nursing code of ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making and sets primary goals and values for the profession.