Principles in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses serves as a guide for nurses to provide ethical and compassionate care to patients. The code outlines fundamental principles that nurses should adhere to in their practice. These principles include:

Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. Nurses have a duty to prevent harm, minimize risks, and protect the well-being of their patients. This means taking all necessary precautions to avoid causing harm, such as administering medications correctly, following proper infection control procedures, and providing appropriate care.

Beneficence

Beneficence is the principle of promoting the well-being and best interests of patients. Nurses should act in ways that benefit their patients and prioritize their needs. This includes providing competent and compassionate care, advocating for patients’ rights, and promoting their health and well-being.

Autonomy

Autonomy is the principle of respecting the rights of patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare. Nurses should support and facilitate patient autonomy by providing information, respecting choices, and involving patients in their care decisions. This means respecting patients’ values, beliefs, and preferences, and helping them to understand the risks and benefits of different treatment options.

Justice

Justice is the principle of fairness and equality in healthcare. Nurses should advocate for equitable access to healthcare resources, treat all patients fairly, and address any disparities or injustices they encounter. This includes advocating for policies that promote health equity, addressing social determinants of health, and working to eliminate discrimination in healthcare.

Privacy/Confidentiality

The principle of privacy/confidentiality emphasizes the importance of respecting patient privacy and maintaining confidentiality. Nurses should protect the privacy of patient information and only share it with authorized individuals for appropriate purposes. This means keeping patient information confidential, obtaining consent before sharing information, and using appropriate security measures to protect patient data.

These principles provide a framework for nurses to make ethical decisions in their practice. By adhering to these principles, nurses can ensure that they are providing high-quality, ethical care to their patients.

References:

1. American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/
2. Nurse.org. (2023). What is the Nursing Code of Ethics? Retrieved from https://nurse.org/education/nursing-code-of-ethics/
3. American Nurses Association. (2023). Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/

FAQs

What is the principle of nonmaleficence?

Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. Nurses have a duty to prevent harm, minimize risks, and protect the well-being of their patients.

How do nurses uphold the principle of beneficence?

Nurses uphold the principle of beneficence by acting in ways that benefit their patients and prioritize their needs. This includes providing competent and compassionate care, advocating for patients’ rights, and promoting their health and well-being.

What does the principle of autonomy mean in nursing?

Autonomy is the principle of respecting the rights of patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare. Nurses support and facilitate patient autonomy by providing information, respecting choices, and involving patients in their care decisions.

How do nurses promote justice in healthcare?

Nurses promote justice in healthcare by advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources, treating all patients fairly, and addressing any disparities or injustices they encounter. This includes advocating for policies that promote health equity, addressing social determinants of health, and working to eliminate discrimination in healthcare.

Why is privacy and confidentiality important in nursing?

Privacy and confidentiality are important in nursing because they protect the dignity and autonomy of patients. Nurses have a duty to protect the privacy of patient information and only share it with authorized individuals for appropriate purposes.

How can nurses balance the principles of autonomy and beneficence when a patient’s decisions may harm themselves or others?

Nurses can balance the principles of autonomy and beneficence by engaging in shared decision-making with patients, providing them with accurate information, and respecting their values and beliefs. In cases where a patient’s decisions may harm themselves or others, nurses may need to involve other healthcare professionals or legal authorities to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being.

What are some examples of ethical dilemmas that nurses may face in their practice?

Nurses may face ethical dilemmas in situations such as:

• When a patient refuses a treatment that the nurse believes is necessary
• When a patient’s family members disagree about the patient’s care
• When a nurse is asked to participate in a procedure that they believe is unethical
• When a nurse is faced with a conflict between their personal beliefs and their professional obligations

In these situations, nurses should use ethical decision-making frameworks to help them make the best possible decisions for their patients.

How can nurses stay up-to-date on ethical issues in nursing?

Nurses can stay up-to-date on ethical issues in nursing by reading nursing journals, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in continuing education programs. They can also consult with ethics committees and other resources within their healthcare organizations.