Nine Provisions Association Code Of Ethics For Nurses

In this discussion, I will be identifying the nine provisions of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses. Furthermore, I will describe each provision in my own words. According to the American Nurses Association (2015), the Code of Ethics was established to be a guide for “carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession”. In my own words, I believe that the ANA Code of Ethics can be described as an ethical network of values and obligations that nurses must abide by to protect the public and produce the best quality care.

In total, there are nine provisions found within the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. The

Similarly, provision six states that nurses must keep the conditions and standards of the ethical environment high to achieve the best care (ANA, 2015, p.v). In other words, nurses have a duty to be ethically aware and supportive to help maintain the best environment for patients, families, and other healthcare members. Additionally, when an ethical dilemma arises within the environment, it is appropriate to make informed decisions and advocate for the patient. Provision seven expresses the idea that scholarly research, the advancement of professional standards, and the implementation of health and nursing policy allow nurses to advance the overall practice (ANA, 2015, p.v). In my opinion, provision seven describes the nurse's obligation to lifelong learning. For instance, as a nurse, you can uphold provision seven by joining an association or reading nursing magazines. To continue, provision eight discusses the intention to collaborate with others for the betterment and protection of society (ANA, 2015, p.v). From my point of view, the concept of communication and collaboration is extremely important when caring for any individual. If there is a breach in communication, confidentiality could be broken, or omissions of care may occur. Finally, provision nine identifies that through organizations, professional nursing must “articulate nursing values, maintain the integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social justice” (ANA, 2015, p.v). In my mind, provision nine summarizes the overarching ethical standards that are the core of the nursing profession.