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Practical use of the nursing code of ethics: Part I.

Article Excerpt
A code of ethics is a fundamental document for any profession. It provides a social contract with the society served, as well as ethical and legal guidance to all members of the profession. The focus of this article is on the assistance provided to the clinical nurse by the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements (The Code) (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2001) as he or she functions in progressively more complex roles and situations. Part I of this series will focus on the first four of the nine provisions. Later this year, Part II will focus on the remaining provisions.

Since the original ANA Code in 1950, the central significance of service to others has been consistent (Fowler, 2008). Two significant conceptual changes have occurred in The Code since this inception. First, the patient is not considered as an individual receiving treatment, but also his or her family and the community in which they live are considered. Second, the fifth provision prompts nurses to recognize, "The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth" (ANA, 2001, p. 18). The present Code informs nurses, patients, and the public on the core values of nursing.

Fowler (2008) provided nurses with a book that helps interpret and apply the provisions of The Code to everyday practice of nursing. The case examples encourage self-reflection on the ethical obligations of the nurse. Each provision is discussed by a renowned nurse ethicist who incorporates the ethical principles supporting the provision. This book is recommended for a more in-depth examination of the issues discussed in this article.

Understanding the Essence of Code Provisions

Provision 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 (ANA, 2001, p. 7).

First, the nurse is expected to practice kindness and respect, regardless of who is receiving his or her communication. This receiver could be a respiratory therapist, nursing assistant, or patient who has been unwilling to take prescribed medications or follow treatment recommendations consistently. Even though most nurses are quick to say they entered the profession to help others, few will admit to prejudice toward helping "certain people." While the...

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