Review The American Nurses Association Code Of Ethics
Review The American Nurses Association Ana Code Of Ethics And The An
Review the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2011a, 2011b) and answer the following points in a 2 pages Word document. Identify a potential barrier to ethical practice that you may face as Family Nurse Practitioner Discuss if there is a relationship between your personal beliefs and values and this barrier. Describe at least one mechanism to overcome the barrier discussed. Examine the potential cost and benefits to this barrier. Support your viewpoint with current research (minimum of one research article).
Paper For Above instruction
The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics serves as a foundational document guiding ethical practice among nurses, emphasizing principles such as respect for human dignity, autonomy, and social justice (ANA, 2011a). As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), striving to uphold these principles amidst complex healthcare environments may present several barriers. One potential barrier to ethical practice in this role is the influence of healthcare policies and institutional constraints that limit patient autonomy or access to care. For example, policies that restrict certain treatments based on insurance coverage or institutional protocols may conflict with the nurse's commitment to advocate for patient-centered care, thus challenging their ethical obligations.
This barrier can be related to personal beliefs and values, particularly regarding the importance of patient autonomy and equitable access to healthcare services. For nurses who highly value respecting individual choices and promoting justice, such institutional limitations may generate moral distress or ethical dilemmas, as they are forced to operate within constraints that impede their ability to fully advocate for their patients (Corley et al., 2020). These conflicts can impact the nurse’s moral integrity and professional satisfaction, posing risks to ethical standards.
To address this barrier, one mechanism involves advocating for policy changes within the healthcare organization. Nurse practitioners can participate in policy development committees or engage with professional organizations to influence policies that align with ethical principles. Additionally, education and training in ethical decision-making can empower nurses to navigate institutional constraints effectively, seeking compromises that honor patient rights while complying with regulations (American Nurses Association, 2011b). Building collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary teams enhances advocacy efforts, facilitating systemic changes that promote ethical practice.
The costs of such institutional barriers include increased moral distress among nurses, potential burnout, and compromised patient care outcomes. When nurses are hindered from acting according to their ethical commitments, they may experience decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover, which can impact organizational stability (Lachman et al., 2017). Conversely, the benefits of addressing these barriers involve improved patient outcomes, enhanced nurse job satisfaction, and the promotion of ethical healthcare environments. Advocating for policy change aligns with the ethical obligation to promote justice and beneficence, ultimately fostering a healthcare system that supports ethical principles consistently.
Current research underscores the importance of organizational advocacy and ethical resilience among nursing professionals. For example, Corley et al. (2020) highlight that nurses' active engagement in policy advocacy and ethical leadership positively influences organizational ethics and patient safety. Encouraging such engagement serves as a strategic mechanism to overcome institutional barriers, fostering a culture of ethical accountability and patient-centered care.
In summary, while institutional constraints pose significant ethical challenges for Family Nurse Practitioners, active advocacy and education serve as effective mechanisms to overcome these barriers. Recognizing the costs and benefits of these efforts is vital to fostering ethical practice, enhancing both patient care and nurse well-being in increasingly complex healthcare environments.
References
American Nurses Association. (2011a). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/
American Nurses Association. (2011b). Code of ethics . Retrieved from org/code-of-ethics-preface
Corley, M. C., Minick, P., Elswick, R. K., & Kang, H. (2020). Nurse moral distress and ethical climate. Nursing Ethics, 27(1), 61–69. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733019872896
Lachman, V., Christensen, J. F., & Evans, B. (2017). Ethical climate and moral distress in nurses: A review of the literature. Journal of Nursing Ethics, 24(2), 186–203. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733016637097
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2005). The Nuremberg code. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/nuremberg-code/index.html