The Code applies to all types of nursing care, from researchers to managers to public health nurses. Sometimes caregivers also need to approach ethical situations from a team perspective, as the most difficult decisions don`t have to be made by one person. This interprofessional team (which may consist of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, etc.) is commonly referred to as an ethics committee. The American Nurses Association`s Code of Ethics, for example, includes elements that emphasize advocacy, collaboration with others, maintaining client safety, the dignity and worth of all persons, prohibition of discrimination, accountability, respect for patients` rights such as dignity, autonomy and confidentiality, and the provision of competent, safe and quality nursing care. Nurses have a responsibility to themselves, their profession and their patients to adhere to the highest ethical principles. Many organizations have ethics committees to review ethical concerns. Nurses at all levels of practice should participate in ethics review in their target area. It is important to advocate for patient care, patients` rights and ethical consideration of practice. Ethical inclusion should begin in nursing school and continue for as long as the nurse is practicing. How does HIPAA affect you as a student nurse? You must comply with HIPAA guidelines from the moment you start providing patient care. Student nurses can be sanctioned or banned from their nursing program if they violate HIPAA. Nurses who violate HIPAA rules may be terminated from their jobs or subject to legal action.
The following field lists common types of HIPAA violations and ways to prevent them. Once the patient has all the relevant information, the medical and nursing team can create a care plan that meets the patient`s medical wishes. In addition to using these resources, the nurse can take appropriate action when faced with an ethical dilemma by understanding and applying the ethical guidelines contained in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, the American Medical Association Code of Ethics, the World Medical Association Code of Ethics, the American Nurses Association Standards of Care and Standards of Practice. The American Nurses Association`s pronouncements, such as the one describing the ethical use of narcotic analgesics at the end of life, even though this drug accelerates death, the statements of the nurses` committee, and the code of ethics of the International Association of Nurses. In addition to legal considerations, there are also ethical guidelines for care. Charity in care is not as intimidating as it seems. The ANA defines it as „actions guided by compassion.” Examples of benefits include helping a heart patient with a shower, maintaining side barriers to prevent falls, or providing medication quickly. Charity is defined as kindness and charity that require the nurse to act for the benefit of others. An example of a nurse demonstrating this ethical principle is holding the hand of a dying patient.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Code of Nursing Ethics is a guide to „performing nursing duties in a manner consistent with the quality of nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession.” Ethics in general are the moral principles that govern a person`s behavior. Ethical values are essential for ALL healthcare professionals, especially nurses. Interestingly, it is believed that the Code of Ethics for Nursing was founded in 1893 and named the „Nightingale Pledge” in honour of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. As a variant of the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors, the Nightingale Pledge has been recited by nursing students at graduation ceremonies with little change since its inception. Ethical values are essential for all health professionals. Ethical practice is a foundation for nurses who deal with ethical issues on a daily basis. Ethical dilemmas arise when nurses care for patients. These dilemmas can sometimes conflict with the nurse`s code of ethics or ethical values. Nurses advocate for patients and must balance patient care.
There are four main ethical principles: autonomy, charity, justice and non-malevolence. Unfortunately, nurses are often unable to make complex ethical decisions based solely on the four principles and nine provisions. In these cases, it is important to consult the ethics committee before making any important decisions. Often, other resources are needed to make important ethical decisions. Justice is that there should be an element of fairness in all medical and nursing decisions and care. Nurses must care for all patients with the same level of equity, regardless of financial ability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. The American Nursing Association (ANA) guides nursing practice with the Code of Ethics for Nurses. [12] This Code provides a framework for ethical management and guidance for decision-making.
The objectives of the Nurses` Code of Ethics are to: Get the latest nursing news by subscribing to our e-newsletter. You will be the first to know about news about care, hot topics and educational resources. There is a difference between morality, ethical principles and a code of ethics. Morality refers to the „personal values, character, or behavior of individuals within communities and societies.” [11] An ethical principle is a general guide, fundamental truth, or hypothesis that can be used with clinical judgment to determine a course of action. Four common ethical principles are charity (doing good), non-malevolence (doing no harm), autonomy (individual control) and justice (equity). A code of ethics is established for a profession and explains its main commitments, values and ideals. Rule 6. Through individual and collective efforts, the nurse creates, maintains and enhances the ethical environment of the workplace and the conditions of employment conducive to safe and quality health care. Nurses have a responsibility to recognize and identify ethical issues affecting staff and patients. For example, the care of clients undergoing abortions may raise ethical and moral concerns and issues for some nurses; And some patients may be affected by liver transplant rejection because donor livers are not abundant enough to meet the needs of all patients who want them. Life-and-death decisions are part of care, so ethics are fundamental to the integrity of the nursing profession.
Every day, caregivers support each other in fulfilling their ethical obligations to patients and the public, but in an ever-changing world, the challenges are growing. The Nurses` Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements or „the Code” is an important tool for nurses now and in the future. While the core values of care do not change, the Code is regularly updated to reflect changes in the structure, funding and delivery of health care. It helps nurses ensure that care is always respectful, humane and dignified. These values are often second nature to nursing, but they are often challenged by shortcomings in the United States.