Ethics is an integral part of the foundation of nursing. It involved respect caring honesty acting ethically and advocacy for the rights and needs of patient regardless of where the patient is been seen. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness the alleviation of suffering and the protection promotion and restoration of health in the care of individuals families groups and communities. A culture accountability that is free of blame and an environment of safety are an important aspect of nursing to encourage team members to report errors thereby enhancing the safety of the patient. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements provides a framework for nurses to use in ethical analysis and decision-making. The Code of Ethics establishes the ethical standard for the profession. It is not negotiable in any setting nor is it subject to revision or amendment except by formal process of the House of Delegates of the ANA. The Code of Ethics for Nurses is a reflection of the proud ethical heritage of nursing a guide for nurses now and in the future.
The similarities between the American Medical Association code of ethics published by American College of Healthcare Executives and American Nurses association Code of caring are;Both the nurse and physician shall be dedicated to providing care with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights.Both uphold the standards of professionalismBoth shall be honest in all professional interactions
Both are encourage to report error
Both will participate in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice education administration and knowledge development.
Both will act in the best interests of the patient.Some differences are;The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurses obligation to provide optimum patient care.
The nurse promotes advocates for and strives to protect the health safety and rights of the patient.
The nurses primary commitment is to the patient whether an individual family group or community. While physician shall in the provision of appropriate patient care except in emergencies be free to choose whom to serve with whom to associate and the environment in which to provide medical care.
What the Code of Ethics for Nurses say about caring is that