Question

Module 06 Course Project - Part 2

Prepare a two to three page written assignment that includes the following:

Content:

Prepare a two to three page written assignment that includes the following:

• Introduction to the assignment (sections of the assignment)
• Describe the importance of the code of ethics in nursing
• Identify the American Nurses Association Standards of Practice for the licensure you are obtaining (LPN or RN)
• Conclusion (reflect on the criteria of the assignment)
• Use at least two credible resources to support your findings. For example, one of the resources could be the ANA Standards of Practice, and another resource could be the ANA Code of Ethics. These resources must be integrated into the body of your paper using at least two in-text citations. Be sure to use proper APA format and style

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION TO NURSING.

Answer 1

The code of ethics for nurses’ is an important document that outlines the legal requirements, professional behavior and conduct expectations as well as obligations for all nurses, in all areas of practice. The code further describes the principles of professional conduct guiding safe service delivery and clearly summarizes the conduct expected of nurses by their clients/patients, colleagues and the community at large .The code is developed such that it is in harmony with the country’s Law. The code consists of seven principles of conduct, grouped into focus areas “domains”, each with an explanatory statement and practical guidance to demonstrate how it is applied in nursing practice. Supporting the code of ethics is the expectation that nurses will use their professional judgment to deliver the best results in their area of practice .

The code of ethics is a very important tool for nurses to have because nursing is a very complex and dynamic profession that deals with human lives; omissions, substandard of care and negligence are not tolerated. The code reminds nurses of their primary focus which is centered around the care and the rights of their patients. patients seek medical assistance they often feel at risk yet; there is a need to share intimate and vital information about their lives thus the need of the code to shape the behavior of the nurse as she/he takes care of the patient professionally. Nurses are expected to provide nursing care the correct way at the very first time they provide the service according to the code. The code should be ethical effective to provide guidance on managing ethical issues ‘dilemmas’ that might arise at the societal level, the administrative level, and the clinical level. According to the ICN (2012)an ethical effective code act as; a brief statement of the ethical obligations and responsibilities of every individual who enters the nursing profession, profession’s non – negotiable ethical standard and an expression of nursing’s own understanding of its commitment to society to avoid unnecessary misconduct. Nursing nationally and internationally is expected to function according to the code.

patients have the right to make decisions about their healthcare and decide to accept or refuse treatment, however, they should expect to receive accurate and complete information about their conditions from nurses who are taking care of them and make informed decisions based on the information shared to them. While taking care of the client there are many ethical issues that the nurse may encounter where only the code can defend the practicing nurse thus it is very important in nursing profession .Nurses should be observant of these ethical issues as they might sometimes conflict with the very same code of ethics, nurse’s values and beliefs resulting. Consideration should be made especially for the first four (4) principles (autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence). According to Haddad & Geiger (2018), nurses should remember that all patients have a right to be treated fairly and equally while healthcare workers including nurses have a duty to refrain from maltreatment, minimize harm, and promote good health towards patients (beneficence). Nurses are also expected to assist patients with tasks that they are unable to perform on their own such as bathing a bedridden patient, keeping side rails up for a restless patient, and/or providing medications as prescribed and on time. Failure to adhere to the principles of the code may result in suspension from work, dismissal, lawsuits as well as forfeiting certificates by nurses. So it is for those reasons it is very important for nurses to be up to date with their code of ethics.

The code of ethics for nurses is a guide for action based on social values and needs. It has meaning only as a living document if applied to the realities of nursing and health care in a changing society. To achieve its purpose the code must be well understood, internalized and used by nurses in all aspects of their work. It must be available to nurses throughout their work lives.