The American Nurses Code of ethics has nine provisions that describe the scope and standards of practice of nurses. These provisions are non-negotiable and cannot be ignored in the line of practice. The code of ethics aids nurses to make proper practice-based decisions in their line of duty. The code of ethics aids nurses in solving ethical dilemmas and conflicts that they face in their work. The code of ethics is thus the most important aspect of the nursing practice. The ANA Standards of Practice outlines the guidelines and scope of nursing practices and helps nurses obtain healthcare licensure. The ANA Standards of Practice also guides the nursing practice by ensuring that it stays true to its objectives as outlined in the code of ethics.
Describe the Importance Code of Ethics in Nursing
The Nursing code of ethics is the most important element of the nursing practice. The code of ethics serves as a nursing guide that assists nurses in making practice-based decisions. The code of ethics is a non-negotiable standard of ethics that works as a reference and aids nurses in making tough decisions in their line of work. It also reminds nurses of their commitment and duty to society. The nurses, for instance, must put their patients first and advocate for the health of their patients. The code of ethics also recognizes the benefit of expanding knowledge in the field of medicine and health and requires nurses to continue learning. The nine provisions of the code of ethics adequately describe the work and scope of work of nurses and guides the practice of nursing ( Gurney et al., 2017) . Ethical conflicts and dilemmas exist in the nursing practice. Sometimes it is quite challenging to come to a decision regarding patient health. Patients in end-of-life care, for instance, present nurses with ethical dilemmas with regard to their wishes. In such a case, nurses would have to abide by the patient’s wishes while at the same time, also ensuring not to do any harm. By revising the provisions of the code of ethics, a nurse may be able to provide care and do no harm at the same time.
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Identify the American Nurses Association Standards of Practice for the Licensure You Are Obtaining (LPN or RN)
The ANA Standards of Practice describes the scope of the nursing practice and gives guidelines for obtaining licensure. The standards of practice outlines factors such as the who , the nurse, the what , the nursing practice, where , where a patient is in need of care, why , the nursing objective, and when, when the nursing practice is required ( Kane, 2015) . In the US, healthcare licensure is state-based. Generally, the state passes the ‘nurse practice act’ law, which is then followed by the creation and implementation of regulations of practice by healthcare regulatory bodies. Registered Nurses can, therefore, obtain licensure and practice nursing provided their practice demonstrates the scope and standards of nursing practice and adheres with the codes of ethics.
Conclusion
The significance of the American Nurses code of ethics is undisputed. Nurses basically rely on the code of ethics to make critical decisions regarding their practice or the health of their patients. The code of ethics, among other things, reminds nurses of their duty to society and requires them to put their patients first above everything else. It gives nurses the autonomy to go about their practice comfortably. Recognizing the code of ethics and using it as a standard of reference helps improve the nursing practice. The ANA standard of practice, as described above, outlines the scope and standards of practice of nurses. It thus allows nurses to obtain licensure to practice nursing and to work in accordance with the code of ethics.
References
Gurney, D., Gillespie, G. L., McMahon, M. P., & Kolbuk, M. E. (2017). Nursing Code of Ethics: Provisions and Interpretative Statements for Emergency Nurses. Journal of Emergency Nursing , 43 (6), 497-503.
Kane, C. (2015). The 2014 scope and standards of practice for psychiatric mental health nursing: Key updates. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing , 20 (1), 1.
