Nur 391 Professional Ethics Module 2 Assignment Applying The

Nur 391professional Ethicsmodule 2 Assignmentapplying The Ana Code O

It is important that you see how the ANA and the ICN Code of Ethics code fits into your practice as a professional nurse. Now that you have read the ANA and ICN Code of Ethics for nurses, it is time to apply this code to some cases. This assignment is worth 20 points.

It is important that you see how the ANA and the ICN Code of Ethics code fits into your practice as a professional nurse. Now that you have read the ANA and ICN Code of Ethics for nurses, it is time to apply this code to some cases. This assignment is worth 20 points.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding and applying the principles outlined in the American Nurses Association (ANA) and International Council of Nurses (ICN) Codes of Ethics is fundamental to nursing practice. These codes serve as guiding frameworks that promote ethical conduct, protect patient rights, and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession. As nurses encounter complex situations daily, these ethical standards help in making principled decisions that prioritize patient welfare, respect autonomy, and foster trust. This paper explores the significance of these codes, compares their responsibilities, and examines their application through case analyses.

The Importance of the ANA and ICN Codes of Ethics

The ANA and ICN Codes of Ethics are critical to the nursing profession because they define the moral responsibilities nurses owe to patients, colleagues, and society. They establish standards for professional conduct, decision-making, and accountability, ensuring consistency and integrity across diverse healthcare settings (American Nurses Association, 2015; International Council of Nurses, 2012). These codes promote ethical awareness, moral reasoning, and advocacy, guiding nurses in managing complex situations involving confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life care. Additionally, by providing a common moral language, they facilitate professional solidarity and public trust.

Responsibilities of Nurses versus the Codes

Nurses have several core responsibilities, including delivering competent care, advocating for patient rights, maintaining confidentiality, and promoting health and well-being. The ANA Code emphasizes duties such as practicing with compassion, respecting autonomy, and ensuring justice in care delivery (ANA, 2015). The ICN Code similarly underscores commitment to human rights, ethical principles, and professional development (ICN, 2012). A key similarity is that both emphasize patient-centered care, confidentiality, and accountability. However, the ANA Code is specific to U.S. nursing practice, emphasizing roles within the healthcare system, while the ICN provides a broader international perspective rooted in human rights and social justice. The ANA also emphasizes nurses’ responsibilities to colleagues and professional growth more explicitly, whereas the ICN emphasizes global health issues.

New Insights from the Codes

The codes highlight the multifaceted role of nurses, extending beyond technical skills to include ethical judgment, advocacy, and cultural competence. For example, the ANA Code underscores the nurse’s role in promoting social justice and addressing disparities in healthcare, which was less emphasized in prior training. Both codes emphasize the importance of truth-telling, honesty, and maintaining trust, vital for effective therapeutic relationships (Sitzman & Kalooki, 2014). These aspects cultivate a deeper understanding of nurses' moral agency and responsibility to uphold human dignity in all interactions.

Comparison and Preference

Both the ANA and ICN Codes serve essential roles; however, I find the ANA Code more relevant to my practice due to its detailed articulation of responsibilities within the U.S. healthcare system. The specificity of provisions and sections allows clear guidance on issues like advocacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Nonetheless, I appreciate the ICN’s global perspective and focus on social justice, which broadens the scope of ethical responsibilities beyond individual patient care. My preference aligns with the ANA due to its direct applicability to everyday clinical decisions but I value the ICN’s emphasis on global health equity.

Application of the Codes to Cases

Case 1: Joy Bayliss

In this scenario, Joy Bayliss exhibits signs of intoxication or substance misuse, raising concerns about patient safety and colleague welfare. The applicable parts of the ANA Code include:

• Provision 1.4 – The nurse’s responsibility to provide safe, competent, and ethical care.
• Provision 3.4 – Maintaining a safe work environment free from substance abuse that could jeopardize patient safety.
• Provision 2.3 – Upholding truthful communication, especially if advocating for a colleague’s well-being.

These provisions guide me to take appropriate action, such as reporting my concerns to supervisor while supporting Joy’s health needs. Ensuring patient safety and adherence to ethical standards takes precedence over personal loyalty or confidentiality.

Case 2: Nancy and Mrs. Smith

Here, confidentiality and honoring patient autonomy are central ethical principles. The relevant aspects include:

• Provision 1.5 – Respecting the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Provision 2.1 – Maintaining trust through truthful and respectful communication.
• Provision 3.2 – Protecting patient rights and advocating for their preferences in care decisions.

Deciding to keep Mrs. Smith’s confidentiality, I would gently remind Nancy of the importance of respecting the patient’s privacy, especially regarding sensitive health information. If necessary, I would counsel Nancy on the ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality, even when external pressures exist.

Conclusion

The ANA and ICN Codes of Ethics serve as vital tools that bolster ethical integrity within nursing practice. They guide nurses to navigate complex situations with moral clarity, uphold patient rights, and promote social justice. Through analyzing case scenarios, it becomes evident that these codes not only define professional responsibilities but also empower nurses to advocate ethically and act in the best interests of their patients and society at large. As healthcare continues to evolve, adherence to these ethical standards remains essential for maintaining trust and excellence in nursing care.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.).
• International Council of Nurses. (2012). The ICN code of ethics for nurses. Geneva: ICN.
• Sitzman, K., & Kalooki, C. (2014). The moral significance of honesty and truth-telling in nursing practice. Nursing Ethics, 21(4), 441-453.
• Cruikshank, J., & Thompson, J. (2018). Ethical theories and nursing practice. Nursing Times, 114(7), 45-48.
• Benner, P., Tanner, C., & Chesla, C. (2010). Expertise in nursing practice: Caring, clinical judgment & ethical decision-making. Springer Publishing Company.
• Locsin, R. C., & Purnell, M. (2017). Spirituality and ethics in nursing. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(2), 184-191.
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