Code of Ethics For Nurses
I. Introduction
• Ethics are the rules or principles that govern right conduct.
• A code of ethics is a formal statement of group’s ideals and values.
II. DEFINITON - CODE OF ETHICS
“ A code of ethics is a set of ethical principles that are accepted by all members of a profession”.
(Potter and Perry )
III. PURPOSES
1. To set standards for the behaviors of nurses & provide general guidelines for nursing action.
2. Helps to distinguish between right & wrong in nursing
practice
3. It enables a correct decision and
4. It protects the rights of individuals.
IV. Types or Forms
A. International code of ethics for nurses
B. National codes of ethics for nurses
A. International code of ethics for nurses
• The first International Code of Ethics for Nurses was adopted
by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1953.
• The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has five principal elements that outline the standards of ethical conduct.
1. NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
2. NURSES AND PRACTICE
3. NURSES AND PEOPLE
4. NURSES AND SOCIETY
5. NURSES AND CO-WORKERS
B. NATIONAL CODE OF NURSING ETHICS
INC CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES IN INDIA
1. The nurse respects the uniqueness of individual in provision of care.
1.1. Provides care for individuals without consideration of caste, creed, religion, culture,
ethnicity, gender, socio-economic and political status, personal attributes, or any other
grounds.
1.2. Individualizes the care, considering the care, considering the beliefs, values and cultural
sensitivities.
1.3. Appreciates the place of the individual in family and community and facilitates
participation of significant others in the care,
1.4. Develops and promotes trustful relationship with individual(s).
1.5 Recognizes uniqueness of response of individuals to interventions
2. The nurse is obliged to practice within the framework of ethical, professional and legal
boundaries.
2.1 Adheres to code of ethics and code of professional conduct for nurses in India developed
by Indian Nursing Council.
2.2 Familiarizes with relevant laws and practices in accordance with the law of the state.
3. Nurse maintains Competence in order to render Quality Nursing Care
3.1 Nursing care must be provided only by registered nurse.
3.2 Nurse strives to maintain quality nursing care and upholds the standards of care.
3.3. Nurse values continuing education, initiates and utilizes all opportunities for self
development.
3.4 Nurse values research as a means of development of nursing profession and participates
in nursing research adhering to ethical principles.
4. The nurse respects individual’s right to privacy, maintains confidentiality, and shares
information judiciously.
4.1 Respects the individual’s right to privacy of their personal information.
4.2 Maintains confidentiality of privileged information except in life threatening situations and
Uses discretion / judgment in sharing information.
5. The nurse respects the rights of individuals as partner in care and helps in making informed
choices.
5.1 Appreciates individual’s right to make decisions about their care and therefore gives
adequate and accurate information for enabling them to make informed choices.
5.2 Respects the decisions made by individual (s) regarding their care.
5.3. Advocates special provisions to protect vulnerable individuals / groups.
6. Nurse is obliged to work harmoniously with the members of the health team.
6.1 Appreciates the team efforts in rendering care.
6.2 Cooperates, coordinates and collaborates with the members of the health team to meet the needs of the people.
7. Nurse commits to reciprocate the trust invested in nursing profession by society
7.1 Demonstrates personal etiquette in all dealings.
7.2 Demonstrates professional attributes in all dealings.
Thank You.