Ethics has a fundamental value to nurses in their professional lives. The ANA Code of Ethics can be used by them through applying the essential values, realizing the boundaries of loyalty and obligations, and responsibilities beyond individual patient contact. ANA can help nurses through ethical education, allowing to make informed, competent, and responsible decisions. It is significant in their professional development as a nurse and personal growth.
The ANA Code of Ethics can be used by bedside nurses, home care nurses, and student nurses, primarily through applying the obligations and values described in Provisions 1-3. These codes are based on compassion and respect for each person, protecting their rights and safety (Aguirre, 2020). Thus, using these principles, they assist the individual or family in preventing or combating illness and morally support them. Simultaneously, using Provisions 4-6, which define the boundaries of loyalty and obligations, nurses are responsible for actions and decisions that were taken. They do not engage in illegal actions, cooperate, and consult with more qualified colleagues (Aguirre, 2020). Finally, an understanding of Provisions 7-9, describing responsibilities beyond individual patient contact, can be used by nurses through research and community engagement.
To conclude, ANA can help me through ethical education, which is essential in my professional development as a nurse and my personal growth, allowing me to make informed, competent, and responsible decisions. The specific code that sticks out to me is Provision 1 because it reflects the features of a nurse, which, in my opinion, are the primary for her. It affects me by creating an awareness that to perform a nurse’s functions, the dominance of the motives of affiliation and altruism is necessary.
Reference
Aguirre, D. (2020). Ana Code of Ethics [PowerPoint slides].