Nursing Code of Ethics
The Nursing Code of Ethics is defined as the values or moral principles governing relationships between the nurse and patient, the patient's family, other members of the health professions, and the general public. The Nursing Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines for carrying out nursing responsibilities adopted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1985. In 1994, the American Nurses Association determined that these guidelines were nonnegotiable and determined that each nurse had an obligation to adhere to the Code, and in 2001 a completely revised version of the Code of Ethics for Nurses was accepted by the ANA.
As future RN’s there is really a need for us to know the Code of Ethics. It guides us in doing ‘what is right” or “what is wrong”. Because of the job we have, we would be dealing with a lot of people with different beliefs, cultures, etc. With the help of the Nursing Code of Ethics we would be guided on what we are going to do.
Here are the list of the ethics implemented by ANA (American Nurse’s Association):
1. Beneficence
- “to do good”. Provide benefits to persons and contribute to their welfare. Refers to an action done for the benefit of others.
2. Non- Maleficence
- “to do no harm”. Obligation not to inflict harm intentionally; In medical ethics, the physician’s guiding maxim is “First, do no harm.”
3. Autonomy
- Acknowledge a person’s right to make choices, to hold views, and to take actions based on
personal values and beliefs
4. Justice
- Treat others equitably, distribute benefits/burdens fairly.
5. Fidelity
- is the quality of being faithful or loyal.
6. Veracity
- devotion to the truth : truthfulness
With this Code of Ethics, I hope that a lot would be guided on how do we give proper care to our patient. As a student, I believe that having this ethics provides a great help to all nurses out there. And we should always remember and consider the rights of our patients.