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Code of ethics for registered nurses?

Do any of the accrediting nursing organizations have codes of ethics, similar to those for physicians, that all of the nurses that they have accredited must follow? Thanks.
Apr 22, 2012

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  • Oleg Nekrassovski · Royal Military College of Canada
    Wow, you guys are awesome (and super fast). Thanks for all the comments and links. And would any of you be interested in a description of a case where I was the patient (in a Canadian urgent care center) and got roughly treated by the attending nurse? I am curious whether it would count as ethics violation on her part.
    Apr 22, 2012
  • John Selwyn Houniuhi · National Referral Hospital of solomon Islands
    There is one thing that needs to be clearly understood and that is what Ethics is and what is Law. Ethics are not law but what is expected of nurses and doctors by the general public. that your conduct is whats expected to protects the rights of patients and that no harm is done to patients by our actions and interventions. it is in its extreme that is called Negligence and negligence is law. Law on the other hand must be adhered to you violate the law you face the consequences.so ethics and law are two diffrent things. so in your case its breeching the code of ethics so needs to remind that nurse of her professional conduct needs to be refreshed.
    Apr 22, 2012
  • Per Zetterlund · Region Västra Götaland
    The Swedish Society of Nursing(SSN) do follow the ICN -etics code; There are several differnt suborganization for RN with a speiciality training like anestesiology, OR, midwifes, geriatirics, pediatrics etc;
    Some of these do have Description of Competence required to work with Anesthesia Care: Description of Competence for Registered Nurse with Graduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing - Anaesthesia Care
    The subgroups follow the SSN; Nurse research do follow research etics by etics committées at each university and academy.
    http://www.swenurse.se/Publikationer--Remisser/Publikationer/Etik/ICNs-etiska-kod/
    http://www.swenurse.se/Startsida-Engelska/Ethics/
    Apr 22, 2012
  • Wendy Kooken · Illinois Wesleyan University
    https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm.
    http://www.nursingworld.org/Mobile/Code-of-Ethics
    The code of ethics most nurses in the US learn about and strive to follow
    is found at the second link above at the American Nurses Association. However, your question
    asked if these codes had to be followed. In the US, it is primarily up to nurses to "police" themselves in
    regards to ethical behavior. If unethical behavior is noted, it is often addressed by individual colleagues
    or the organization. Should the behavior be serious enough, it could be addressed by a state board of nursing. In the US, the National State Board of Nursing oversees each individual state board --- more info that the first link above.
    Apr 22, 2012
  • Eileen Grafton · Griffith University
    Dear All
    In Australia we have recently moved to a National Registration scheme for haelth care practioners. Under this scheme each profession has it's own board and professional practice guidelines.
    Go to http://www.ahpra.gov.au/
    If you click on the link to each profession, it will give you a Codes and Gudelines tab on the toolbar. Nurses work within the Law, but also have a Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Professional Practie guidelines.
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Temeaka Gray · University of the Rockies
    Greetings!
    In Ohio the Nurse Practice Act provides guidelines for practice; whereas the Ohio Board of Nursing is the credentialing body.
    Best Regards
    Temeaka
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Oleg Nekrassovski · Royal Military College of Canada
    In response to Wendy Kooken's comment:

    "In the US, it is primarily up to nurses to "police" themselves in regards to ethical behavior. If unethical behavior is noted, it is often addressed by individual colleagues or the organization. Should the behavior be serious enough, it could be addressed by a state board of nursing."

    Thank you for this description. And correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it is so broad as to apply to ethical behavior of all types of registered/licensed professionals, be they health care workers, engineers, lawyers, stock brokers, or any other registered professionals. Thanks.
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Wendy Kooken · Illinois Wesleyan University
    No, this code of ethics is specifically for nurses. Each type of profession likely has their own code of ethics through their own professional organizations. Temeaka commented about the Nurse Practice Act, but the Practice acts are not about ethics, but about law. An example would be that in some states nurses can declare patients dead, but not in all states. So, if I declared someone dead in a state where the practice act did not allow it, I would be breaking the law. Just like each kind of licensed profession has their own practice act or laws that guide their practice, most profession have their own code of ethics that are used to guide behavior not covered by laws. Hope this clarifies for you. Wendy
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Chereisle Pyponco · Silliman University
    hello! In the Philippines, the regulatory body of the nursing profession is the Board of Nursing. They promulgate the Code of Ethics for nurses. You may want to go this link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/18686923/Nursing-Code-of-Ethics
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Jane Mazigo · Tanzania Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC)
    The code of Professional ethics for nurses and midwives in Tanzania sets out conventional principles and expectation that will be binding all nurses and midwives. Its purpose is to inform the professionals, employers, other professional and the public on standards of professional expected from a nurse or midwife.
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Suganthra Devi · O.P.R.MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF NURSING, VADALUR
    Hello,
    In India the code of ethics and other regulation for the nursing profession is framed and regulated by Indian Nursing council . You may want to go this link: http://www.indiannursingcouncil.com/Nursing-Code-of-Ethics
    Apr 23, 2012
  • Ihsan Assistant professor Lash · Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan
    Ihsan Lash, Faculty member at Al Zaytoonah University, Amman Jordan
    Salam,
    In Jordan we do have a Nursing Code of Ethics and the Jordanian Nursing council is the side who regulate it and update it as needed. the nursing code of ethics is a group of positive behavioral rules that obliges practicing nurses to carry out their duties and guarantees the rights of the practicing nurses and the clients.
    Apr 24, 2012
  • Tânia Morgado · Independent Researcher
    Hello all
    In Portugal the Order of Nurses has a specific Code of Ethics for Nurses, published in the Statute of the Order of Nurses. Code is a very complete and guiding nursing practice.

    Law no. 111/2009 of 16 September - Makes the first amendment to the Statute of the Order of Nurses, approved by Decree-Law no. 104/98, April 21 - Lei n.º 111/2009 de 16 de Setembro - Procede à primeira alteração ao Estatuto da Ordem dos Enfermeiros, aprovado pelo Decreto -Lei n.º 104/98, de 21 de Abril.

    Greetings
    Apr 24, 2012
  • Eliseth Leão · Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
    Greetings
    In Brazil, the Code of Ethics is regulated by Brazilian Nursing Council. Go to: http://site.portalcofen.gov.br/node/4158
    Resolução Cofen 311/2007
    Apr 25, 2012
  • Mehtap omaç sönmez · Bitlis Eren University
    In Turkey, we do have a nursing code of Ethic. (This codes harmony ICN code of ethic) there is prepared a paper by Turkish Nurses Assocation. Go To: http://www.turkhemsirelerdernegi.org.tr/Upload/hemsire%20brosur.pdf but ıt turkish language :(
    Apr 25, 2012
  • Kathy Reid · Alberta Health Services
    In Canada we have a code of ethics for all registered Nurses, current as of 2008. here is the link.
    http://www2.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/practice/ethics/code/default_e.aspx
    Apr 25, 2012
  • Gareth Parsons · University of South Wales
    In the UK we have a code of conduct, that covers professional practice and ethics
    http://www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/The-code/The-code-in-full/
    Apr 26, 2012
  • Gabriela zaharia rusu · Geriatric Hospital
    In israel we have a code of ethics for nurses, and this is the link :
    hy.health.gov.il/_uploads/dbsattachedfiles/20(4).pdf
    May 1, 2012
  • Terri Kapetanovic · The Catholic University of America
    The Code of Ethics - American Nurses Association is available on line.
    http://www.nursingworld.org/codeofethics

    Code of Ethics for Nurses

    NursingWorld is the online destination for the American Nurses Association.

    May 21, 2012
  • Chandramathy Ramasamy · Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM)
    We in Malaysia do have code of ethics for nurses with other regulations. Our regulatory body is Nursing Board. . All trained nurses must abide to the code of Ethics and regulations otherwise disciplinary action will taken on them.
    May 25, 2012
  • Orapan Thosingha · Mahidol University
    In Thailand, there is a code of ethic for nursing profession announced by Thailand Nurses Association since 1985 and was revised in 2003. All professional nurses in Thailand are encouraged to use the code of ethic to guide their practices as well as their performane in the society. Also, Thai Nursing Council serves as a regulatory body and announced a regulation on nursing practice and nurses performance according to a code of ethic. Orapan Thailand
    Jun 19, 2012
  • Teresa Stone · Yamaguchi University
    I agree with Nina, there are codes of ethics for nurses in most countries and within each health authority. Reporting unethical behaviour is important. I also go out of my way to report excellent nursing care so that positive behaviour is reinforced!
    Jun 20, 2012
  • Orapan Thosingha · Mahidol University
    The code of ethic is for registered nurses in Thailand. Orapan Thailand
    Jun 20, 2012
  • Per Zetterlund · Region Västra Götaland
    From all the answers on Oleg Nekrassovski starting question on Code of Ethics in Nursing, we can see that there is a global understanding what the excellent nursing should be and that most nursing organizations do follow ICN –code.
    Let me give the issue another viewpoint: The level of nursing differs a lot from country to country as well as from economic standpoint too. Healthcare is today forced to make priorities. Healthcare economics differs great from regions globally. How do Nurses implicate the level of high quality in Nursing to the politicians who are responsible for how taxpayers’ money should be spent in the Healthcare? The Area of research between the Caring Science and Health economics need to be explored more from a Nursing care viewpoint, to give The Nurses arguments why good excellent Nursing needs the costs. How do we do this research?
    Jun 20, 2012
  • Oleg Nekrassovski · Royal Military College of Canada
    Thanks for all the interesting responses. Using economic theory to address questions of nursing quality is an interesting way to go. In fact, I would argue that in a publicly funded, overburdened (i.e. demand is greater than supply --> service shortages) health care system, nurses can be expected to behave less ethically than required. After all, if taken in isolation, a publicly funded company (e.g. a hospital) with more customers (e.g patients) than it can handle, can only benefit by upsetting some of them. What will it lose, by doing that? It seems, nothing. Its revenue does not increase from serving extra customers. What will it gain? Reduced work load at the same level of revenue. So upsetting a few customers does not seem like a bad idea, after all!

    That's a very selfish model of human behavior, of course. And the behavior of most nurses in public health care systems is far morally superior than that. Though there is of course the factor of public opinion, which has the potential to alter any health care system to suit its tastes, and subvert any and all selfish behavior on the part of publicly funded companies. I doubt, however, that a hospital administrator will worry about public opinion turning against him/her if a few patients lodge complains to him/her about being treated disrespectfully by hospital staff. The strength of public opinion lies only in large numbers (i.e. majority of the population).

    Conversely, a private health care company in a perfectly competitive health care market can be expected to not only meet the ideal standards of care, but to constantly seek to surpass them, as its very existence is predicated on meeting and surpassing customer expectations, and on treating every customer like their best customer. The fact that this generally does not seem to take place in US (as Nina's answer suggests) means that US health care market is far from being perfectly competitive, unlike its retail market, which is world famous for a reason.
    Jul 7, 2012
  • Jammie Novak · Skagit Valley Hospital
    ANA has a code of ethics
    Jul 11, 2012
  • Terri Kapetanovic · The Catholic University of America
    Interesting discussion, .. I have experienced socialized medicine, from afar, having had family receiving healthcare in Canada.. I wonder if points of view are influenced by the environment in which we live. In America, we have the best for those who can afford it, and continuing health disparity for those that can not afford healthcare. In Canada, under provincial plans, persons wait for treatment, wait to see physicians, ....and nurses do their best in caring for patients as personal ethics govern. From personal experience in observing patient care of a family member in a Manitoba hospital, I would say that in spite of many constraints to nursing practice imposed by having to do with less than we have in America, many nurses continue to rise to the occasion, in doing what is right.... Irregardless of the marketplace, or factors beyond their control. I would believe that ethics continue to be at the heart of nurses everywhere,,,even as circumstances differ as to the environment of care.
    Jul 12, 2012
  • Zaid Al-Hamdan · Jordan University of Science and Technology
    In Jordan, the ethics is included in the curriculum and in all universities there is a course about this topic
    Jul 12, 2012
  • Montse Guillaumet · Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
    Hi everyone, in Spain the ethics is included too in the curriculum. Various professional Associations have one. (Col·legi Oficial d'Infermeres i Infermers de Barcelona)
    Jul 30, 2012
  • Marie Dauvrin · Université Catholique de Louvain
    Hi

    The nurses in Belgium have a Deontology Code but there is no formal obligation to sign it. A strong body of legislations also exist in the Belgian Law. Moreover, each nursing student has a course on ethics where the Code is explained.
    Jul 31, 2012
  • Kathleen Dunn · VA San Diego Healthcare System
    In the USA, in addition to the ANA (American Nurses Association) code of ethics mentioned above, many nurses work in health care organizations with their own standards for patient rights and ethical care. In addition, in the USA, nurses are licensed by the states (not the federal government) and nearly every state has regulations related to professional standards of practice, including such things as paitent abuse and neglect. Failure to follow these regulations can subject the nurse to disciplinary action by their state board, including revokation of their license, and/or fines. Health care organizations are usually required to report such violations by employees to the board for action. These codes and regulations are included in nursing education programs along with other ethics content.

    Certification for nurses in the USA is a not a replacement for licensure, and is not a legal status. Certification is a process of validation of expertise in a particular specialty field or role in nursing. The professional organizations that provide certification (ANA/ANCC and others) may include ethical standards in requirements for certification above andd beyond those promoted by ANA.
    Oct 12, 2012
  • Nicholas Ralph · Central Queensland University
    Hi Oleg,

    I have attached the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council's Code of Ethics for your perusal. Also, the Code of Conduct for Nurses is very much a companion of the Code of Ethics - they're both attached.
    nps53CB.tmp.pdf
    Oct 17, 2012
  • Nicholas Ralph · Central Queensland University
    I couldn't attach the Code of Conduct as well so please find it below.

    Cheers,

    Nick
    Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses 2008.pdf
    Oct 17, 2012
  • marriza valencia Dollosa · ANSAP member ZAMBALES CHAPTER
    hi everybody !! Code of Ethics is the most important weapon for us professionals, it is actually our guidelines for the right conducts based on how we deal with our actions at work were we are accountable for, as professionals . Organizations without Code of Ethics is tantamount to disorganized ,legally misguided and chaotic workers . It is a professional conduct towards a righteous actions.
    Oct 24, 2012
  • Rochita Josa Calzado · Our Lady of Fatima University
    Ethical codes are adopted by organizations to assist members in understanding the difference between 'right' and 'wrong' and in applying that understanding to their decisions. A code of practice may be styled as a code of professional responsibility, which will discuss difficult issues, difficult decisions that will often need to be made, and provide a clear account of what behavior is considered "ethical" or "correct" or "right" in the circumstances.
    Code of Ethics for registered nurses is different from code of ethics for physicians as the role of nurses and physicians are different. The similar thing is the professional ethics that guide the decisions, procedures and systems of an organization in a way that contributes to the welfare of its key stakeholders, and respects the rights of all constituents affected by its operations."
    Dec 21, 2012
  • Oleg Nekrassovski · Royal Military College of Canada
    Hello everyone,
    I've been away from this discussion for awhile. So first, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed in the interim. Also, since this discussion proved to be so active and fruitful, I'd like to ask a related question, here, instead of starting a new discussion.

    I am participating in a group research project, where my job is, among other things, to find federal laws that regulate the nursing profession in US and Canada, especially those federal laws which list the key functions of nurses and give the definition of the nursing profession. I've searched hard, but could not find anything. Even the websites of ANA and CNA don't seem to have anything on the matter. This makes me wonder whether such federal laws even exist? As already mentioned by several people here, in the USA, the nursing profession is regulated by the individual state laws and regulations, and apparently not by federal laws and regulations. Same thing seems to be the case in Canada with respect to the different provinces. Could it be that our group is misguided in its research objectives?

    Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
    Dec 21, 2012
  • Kathleen Dunn · VA San Diego Healthcare System
    You are correct. Practice for professional nurses and physicians is regulated by the state, not by federal law for nearly everything. Scope of practice is defined, and licensure regulated at the state level. At the federal level there is some regulation of things like prescription of controlled substances, and which providers can bill federal programs such as Medicare. I work in the VA system, which does have some of their own regulations for nursing practice, but they require that you still are licensed in a state, although some VA regulations allow you to practice outside of your state's scope of practice laws or regulations. National licensure is periodically discussed, but has not had much recent discussion. Most states do subcribe to the NCLEX, which is a nationally admiistered RN licensure exam, but you must still obtain the license from an individual state, and states also have different regulations for things like continuing education requirements (if any) for relicensure, and advanced practice licensure and certification.
    Dec 27, 2012
  • Virendra Choudhary · Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
    Ya thats correct nursing practice should be regulated by the concern state not by the federal law. Certain condition are there that can interfere with the laws but helpful for the better nursing care. Each state nursing council should have right to develop their own nursing practice guideline and make necessary to follow by all the nursing practioners and institutes.
    Dec 29, 2012
  • Peter Jones ·
    If not already listed, in England we have the NMC and the code of conduct:
    http://www.nmc-uk.org/Publications/Standards/The-code/Introduction/

    - there are pdfs you can download.

    Also of possible relevance - The journal Advances in Nursing Sciences October/December 2012 - Volume 35 - Issue 4 - from the website:

    The topic of this issue of ANS - "Scope of Nursing Practice" - was planned soon after the 2010 "Future of Nursing" Report was published by the Institute of Medicine. The first of the four recommendations of this report reads: "Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training." This issue was planned with the hope of publishing the insights of nursing scholars who have explored factors that interfere with nurses practicing to the full extent of their education and training. Indeed, this issue includes seven excellent articles that address these challenges, and offer significant evidence that can be called upon to create changes that are needed to realize the goal of the “Future of Nursing” recommendation. Each of these articles will be featured on the ANS web site as an “Editor’s Pick” article, and our ANS blog will feature messages from me and from authors highlighting important points. Visit the blog, and add your comments and responses to the articles as they appear!

    Peggy L. Chinn, RN, PhD, FAAN
    Professor Emerita, University of Connecticut
    Editor, Advances in Nursing Science

    http://journals.lww.com/advancesinnursingscience/pages/default.aspx

    The journal of IPONS may also be worth searching:

    International Philosophy of Nursing Society (IPONS)

    http://www.ipons.dundee.ac.uk/events.html

    Presented at the most recent IPONS conference - Hodges' Health Career (as in 'life chances') - Care Domains - Model is also helpful in reflecting upon ethics, health care, informatics what is global, local and glocal...

    See blog - "Welcome to the QUAD"
    http://hodges-model.blogspot.com/
    Hodges Health Career - Care Domains - Model [new website to follow]
    http://www.p-jones.demon.co.uk/
    h2cm: help 2C more - help 2 listen - help 2 care
    http://twitter.com/#!/h2cm
    Happy New Year to All!
    Jan 1, 2013
  • Ralf Koehler · Cardiff University
    Apart from the obvious different more or less elaborate codes of ethics and conducts within various hc systems, yet one thing in my opinion is missing. Ethics should not merely be about how you conduct yourself as a nurse towards any patient or relative. The question of work ethics within the profession and in the context of different hc prifessions should also be adressed, the ultimate issue being the increase of public esteem of nursing. However, you will find little to that matter. Who´ll be stepping up...?
    Apr 4, 2013
  • Dan Lecocq · Université Libre de Bruxelles
    Dear Colleagues

    There is the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses.
    Most recently revised in 2012, is a guide for action based on social values and needs.The Code has served as the standard for nurses worldwide since it was first adopted in 1953 (link attached).
    http://www.icn.ch/about-icn/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/
    Apr 10, 2013
  • Dan Lecocq · Université Libre de Bruxelles
    In Belgium.
    http://www.afiso.be/attachment/35127/
    Apr 10, 2013
  • Lisa Hee · Queensland University of Technology
    Absolutely! all RNs in Australia are committed to work under the Code of Ethics which are based on the ICN guidelines. See attachment
    5_New-Code-of-Ethics-for-Nurses-August-2008.pdf
    Apr 12, 2013
  • Aree Cheevakasemsook · Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    Thailand, we have Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council who create Code of Ethics for RN.
    Apr 16, 2013
  • Carolynn Jones · University of Alabama at Birmingham
    The ANA has published a code of ethics-http://www.nursingworld.org/codeofethics
    Apr 18, 2013
  • Lola Ruiz-Berdún · University of Alcalá
    In Spain:

    http://www.colegioenfermeriaalmeria.com/codigo%20deontologico.pdf
    24 days ago
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