Ethics in the American Nurses Association

Paper Summary:

The paper defines "ethics" and states that nurses as professionals make independent decisions on the care of patients. The paper further states that nurses makes their own decisions, but how they are implemented is under the control of a code of ethics to which they are sworn. The paper discusses the fact that this code cannot remain stagnant and that it is the responsibility of professional nurses to know which changes are made to the code and to incorporate these into their daily practice.

Outline:
The ANA Code of Ethics
The ANA Framework and Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Functions
Ethical Behavior
Employee Reactions
Effects of the Code

From the Paper:

" The American Nurses Association is the oldest, biggest and perceived to be the best professional organization of registered nurses at present (South Carolina 2004). It has been in operation for more than a century and the largest single organization of health care provider in the world (South Carolina Nurse). It is guided by a Code of Ethics. This Code pledges service with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the client without regard for economic status, personalities or the nature of the health problem. It pledges to protect the client's right to privacy in keeping confidential information. Its members are sworn to deliver competent, ethical and legal practice to insure the health and safety of the public. Each member is responsible and accountable for every judgment and action she takes, based on individual competence and consultation. She contributes to the development of the profession and participates in overall activities towards that development. She contributes to the carrying out and improvement of the standards of nursing. She contributes her part in establishing and maintaining high-quality employment conditions in nursing care. She does her part in clearing up and protecting the profession from misinformation and misinterpretation so as to maintain the integrity of the profession. And she collaborates with other members of the health professions and citizens in meeting or filling the needs of the public in the community and national levels. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Nurses Association House of Delegates (2005). American Nurses Association delegates take action to improve health care, protect the vulnerable and advance nursing. 3 pages. Connecticut Nursing News: Connecticut Nurses' Association
• Arizona Nurse (2006). Code of ethics for nurses. 2 pages. Arizona State Nurse Association: ProQuest Information and Learning Company
• Black, L. (2003). American Nurses Association House of Delegates passes historic ANA structural changes. 3 pages. Nevada RNnformation: Nevada Nurses Association
• Blakeney, B. A. (2005). SCNA ethics committee presents: American Nurses Association Statement on the Terri Schiavo Case. 2 pages. The South Carolina Nurse: South Carolina Nurses' Association
• Javier, H. V. C (2007). Nursing Code of Ethics for American nurses 1 web page. Belladona Online: Minerva Web Works LLC

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