Nursing Ethics: Understanding Ethics in Nursing

Summary

The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of respect, compassion, and dignity for every individual, regardless of their background. Nurses must navigate complex ethical issues, recognizing when these issues arise and how to address them. The revised Code highlights the responsibility and accountability nurses have not only for their patients' well-being but also for the integrity of the profession. Nurses are encouraged to speak out against unethical practices, ensuring the core ethical values of nursing are upheld in all situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the guardian of the nursing profession's Code of Ethics.
• 😀 In 2015, a major revision was made to the ANA's Code of Ethics, with the nine provisions largely remaining the same but including some new nuances for contemporary nursing practice.
• 😀 The first provision of the Code emphasizes the importance of providing respect and compassion to every person, regardless of individual characteristics.
• 😀 Nurses operate in a multicultural environment, facing diverse perspectives and ethical dilemmas that require a foundation in respect and dignity.
• 😀 The Code of Ethics guides nurses to ground themselves in the principles of respect and dignity when confronted with difficult decisions.
• 😀 Nurses are responsible for both their patients' health and well-being as well as the integrity of their profession and personal ethics.
• 😀 Being accountable means nurses must be able to recognize ethical issues and take appropriate actions when they arise.
• 😀 Nurses sometimes fail to label ethical issues, but doing so helps them apply frameworks, skills, and ways of thinking to resolve dilemmas.
• 😀 Identifying ethical issues opens nurses to a broader set of skills that can help navigate confusion in decision-making.
• 😀 Speaking up and speaking out about issues that threaten the core ethical values of nursing is a crucial aspect of accountability in the profession.

Q & A

What role does the American Nurses Association (ANA) play in nursing ethics?

The American Nurses Association is the guardian of the nursing code of ethics. It ensures that the ethical standards for nurses are upheld and provides guidance for ethical practice within the nursing profession.

What was the major change made to the ANA Code of Ethics in 2015?

In 2015, a major revision of the Code of Ethics was made. While the nine provisions remained largely unchanged, certain nuances were added to reflect contemporary nursing practice, addressing modern challenges in healthcare.

Why is Provision 1 of the Code of Ethics important for nurses?

Provision 1 focuses on providing respect and compassion for every person, regardless of individual characteristics. It grounds nurses in the ethical principles of dignity and respect, especially in a multicultural environment with diverse perspectives on what is considered the right action.

How does a multicultural environment impact nursing practice?

Nurses must navigate various cultural perspectives and values. This requires them to be adaptable and sensitive, ensuring they maintain respect and dignity in their care while respecting different points of view.

What does the ANA Code of Ethics say about nurses' responsibility and accountability?

The Code emphasizes that nurses are responsible for their patients' health and well-being, as well as the integrity of the profession. Nurses are also accountable for their own personal integrity, meaning they must be aware of ethical issues and how to appropriately address them.

What skills are required for nurses to handle ethical issues?

Nurses need to be able to discern when ethical issues arise and use specific skills, frameworks, and ethical reasoning to navigate and resolve those challenges.

Why is labeling ethical issues important in nursing?

Labeling issues as ethical concerns helps nurses recognize and address them systematically. By identifying ethical issues, nurses can use structured frameworks and approaches to make well-considered decisions.

What does it mean for nurses to be accountable in the context of ethics?

Being accountable means that nurses must speak up about ethical issues that threaten the core values of the profession. It involves advocating for ethical standards and ensuring that patients' rights and dignity are respected.

How can nurses address confusion around ethical dilemmas?

When nurses recognize ethical dilemmas, they can rely on ethical frameworks and critical thinking skills to clarify the situation and make informed decisions, rather than allowing confusion to hinder action.

What is the significance of integrity in nursing practice according to the ANA Code?

Integrity is a cornerstone of the nursing profession. Nurses must uphold the ethical standards of the profession, act with honesty and transparency, and ensure their actions align with the values of respect, dignity, and patient care.