Guidelines For Course Project Part 2 Due Date: Saturday, 8/1

Guidelines for Course Project Part 2 Due Date: Saturday, 8/15/2020 by midnight

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). Provide an introduction to the assignment (sections of the assignment). Conclude with a reflection on the criteria of the assignment. Use at least two scholarly resources, such as the ANA Standards of Practice website and the ANA Code of Ethics, integrated into your paper with at least two in-text citations. The paper should be professional, formatted in APA style, and written in correct American English. The length should not exceed 5 pages, including the title page and references. Use proper grammar, mechanics, and style. Evidence of proofreading (e.g., Grammarly) and reading aloud is encouraged. Submit as a Word document named with your initial, last name, assignment, and date (e.g., JSmith_courseproject_08152020).

Paper For Above instruction

The professionalism and integrity inherent in nursing are fundamentally supported by a well-defined code of ethics, which provides guidance for nurses in making morally sound decisions amidst complex clinical situations. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has established a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that serve as foundational elements shaping nursing conduct, accountability, and patient advocacy. This paper explores the significance of the code of ethics in nursing, specifically focusing on its role in fostering trust, guiding patient care, and upholding the profession’s integrity. It also identifies the ANA Standards of Practice relevant to registered nurses (RNs) and emphasizes how these standards support quality nursing care.

Firstly, the importance of the code of ethics in nursing cannot be overstated. It underpins the moral framework within which nurses operate, ensuring that patient rights, dignity, and well-being remain central. According to the ANA (2015), the code of ethics emphasizes principles such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice—fundamental in guiding nurses’ actions. The code acts as a moral compass, especially in ethically ambiguous situations, such as end-of-life care or resource allocation. It also fosters public trust in the nursing profession, demonstrating accountability and commitment to ethical standards. Nurses adhering to the code of ethics maintain professionalism, enhance patient outcomes, and protect themselves legally and ethically. Supporting evidence from scholarly sources highlights that ethical obligations influence nursing decisions significantly, reinforcing the profession's moral responsibility.

Secondly, the ANA Standards of Practice provide a structured framework outlining the expected levels of performance for RNs. These standards define the scope, responsibilities, and quality benchmarks for nursing practice. The ANA (2015) delineates standards such as assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, which guide nurses in delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care. The Standards of Practice ensure consistency in care delivery, accountability, and ongoing professional development. They also promote safe practices and uphold the dignity of patients by emphasizing ethical considerations within clinical decision-making processes.

For example, Standard 1: Assessment emphasizes thorough data collection, respecting patient autonomy while ensuring comprehensive understanding of their health status. Standard 3: Planning involves developing individualized care plans aligned with ethical principles like beneficence and justice. Adherence to these standards ensures nurses provide high-quality, ethical care that respects patient rights and promotes health equity. Literature supports that strict compliance with the Standards of Practice improves patient safety and enhances professional integrity (American Nurses Association, 2015).

Moreover, the integration of ethical principles within the Standards of Practice strengthens accountability among nursing professionals. It necessitates ongoing education and self-awareness, fostering a culture of ethical vigilance. As healthcare environments become increasingly complex, these standards serve to navigate dilemmas such as confidentiality, consent, and resource allocation. Ethical adherence, supported by the Standards of Practice, ultimately contributes to the trustworthiness of the nursing profession and better health outcomes for patients.

In conclusion, the code of ethics and standards of practice are vital to the nursing profession, serving as the moral and operational backbone of quality care delivery. They enhance nurse accountability, support ethical decision-making, and uphold public trust. Understanding and integrating these ethical guidelines and standards into daily practice ensures nurses act responsibly, advocate effectively for patients, and maintain the integrity of the profession. Reflecting on these elements underscores their importance in fostering a competent, ethical nursing workforce dedicated to excellence in patient care.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Standards of professional nursing practice. ANA.https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/standards/
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Fagin, C. M. (2014). Ethics in nursing practice. Regulatory Affairs Journal, 3(2), 17-23.
• Morath, J., & Malin, J. (2016). The impact of professional standards on nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 7(2), 12–17.
• Puchalski, C. M., & Ferrell, B. (2010). Making health care whole: integrating spirituality into patient care. Templeton Foundation Press.
• Rasmussen University. (2020). Nursing ethics and Standards. Rasmussen University. https://www.rasmussen.edu
• Singer, P. A., & Viens, A. M. (2016). The Cambridge text of bioethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Walsh, T. (2018). Nursing ethics: Across the curriculum and into practice. Springer Publishing Company.
• Whitehead, L. (2018). Ethics, professionalism and the impact of the code of conduct. Nursing Standard, 33(2), 50-55.