The American Legal Advice For Nurses Association Refreshment Of The Nursing Code Of Ethics

By April Briggs


On a regular basis, an average nurse uses their training, knowledge and ethical standards while making vital decisions regarding their patients health. Nurses are required to process fast simple or complex emergencies. This leaves them with little room for second-guessing. To help guide these professionals, the American Nurses Association came up with a Code of Ethics to constitute legal advice for nurses.

This code forms part of legal requirements under which nurse practitioners, registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, certified registered nurse anaesthetists, licensed practical nurse and midwives operate. Their conduct under the code comes under investigation by the Department of Health. Judgement rests on whether they met or failed to meet the requirements of code while practicing.

Nursing professionals at various categories of professionalism face regulation through the Nursing Board. Licensing and progression through the various professional levels is featured here. As part of process, performance within the tenets of code face determination. In this regard, law firms specializing in health law have to familiarize themselves with the code since they may need to represent a nurse in such an investigation and hearing.

The Code of Ethics constitutes part of the structure forming the foundation of guidance points and standards. This is for nursing professionals for a variety of situations in their respective practice stations. The code sets those standards through which judgement on performance is determined. This Code of Ethics last had changes incorporated by American Nurses Association in 2001. The latest and revised Ethics Code version saw release publicly on 1st January 2015.

This revised and new Ethical Code Version for your profession intends to assist you through the modern nursing practice environment. It addresses the current matters arising legally within the nursing profession. Some of these matters are infringement of patient confidentiality the social media continues to highlight. Treatment of end of life is covered too. Social justice and its integration in the health care policy is another. Another is incorporation of a number of critical issues that must be updated because health conditions and the society are rapidly changing. Advancement in health care plus the host of new health problems cropping up features too.

Three major areas of the original version saw changes made. They include Provisions One to Three. These cover newly established guidelines for advocacy for the patient, family and community. It emphasises on the need for the exercising of respect and kindness within any professional relationship.

Provision Four to Six covers the latest guidelines that cover maintaining and delivering competent care. This includes self-care and self-respect. It covers accountability and the responsibility by nurse professionals in continuous learning, personal and professional growth.

Provision Seven to Nine sets forth the broader issues on health within the community. This is at a county, state, national and international level. It covers the advancement of social policy, professional values and education.

This Ethics Code for our nursing profession is a reflection of the ethical heritage pride held within the nursing profession. It serves to promise and guide the society that every nurse will adhere to it always. The code is also a basis on which nurses will be judged when they are accused of unprofessionalism and misconduct. It constitutes the law which every nurse operates.




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