Reviewing Appendix B in Butts, choose two of the Nine Tenets of the Code of Ethics for Nurses and describe how you will personally apply each tenet in the practice setting with your patients. Describe in detail the purpose of the tenet and provide examples of the tenet applied in practice. Explain why it is important to uphold the tenet in maximizing the quality of patient care, and identify how it enhances your own practice as a nurse.
Your paper should be 1-2 pages.
Include a title page and a reference page to cite your text. Adhere to APA formatting throughout, and cite any outside sources you may use.
Title: Applying the Code of Ethics for Nurses in Practice
The nursing profession is guided by ethical principles and codes of conduct that ensure safe and quality patient care. The Code of Ethics for Nurses developed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) is a fundamental guide for ethical decision-making and professional behavior in nursing practice. This paper will discuss two of the Nine Tenets of the Code of Ethics for Nurses and describe how I will personally apply them in the practice setting with my patients.
Tenet 1: Respect for Human Dignity
The purpose of this tenet is to recognize the intrinsic worth of each patient as a unique individual with inherent rights and values. Nurses are expected to treat patients with respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, irrespective of their social, economic, or health status. In practice, respecting human dignity means acknowledging patients’ autonomy and involving them in care decisions. It also involves advocating for patients’ rights and preferences, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and providing culturally competent care.
For example, in my practice, I encounter patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. To uphold the tenet of respect for human dignity, I take the time to understand each patient’s cultural beliefs and practices, and tailor their care accordingly. I also involve them in their care plan and respect their choices and decisions, even if they differ from mine. By upholding this tenet, I ensure that my patients receive equitable and respectful care, which promotes trust and satisfaction, and enhances their overall well-being.
Tenet 3: Protection of Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
The purpose of this tenet is to ensure that patients’ privacy and confidentiality are respected and protected throughout their care journey. Nurses are expected to maintain the confidentiality of patients’ health information, including medical history, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. This tenet also includes protecting patients’ physical privacy and modesty and ensuring that their personal information is not disclosed without their consent, except as required by law.
In practice, protecting patient privacy and confidentiality means adhering to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and institutional policies and procedures. For example, I always ask for patients’ consent before sharing their health information with other healthcare providers or family members. I also ensure that patient charts and documents are stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel. By upholding this tenet, I establish trust and respect with my patients, which promotes open communication, enhances the quality of care, and safeguards patients’ rights.
Conclusion
The Code of Ethics for Nurses provides a framework for ethical decision-making and professional conduct in nursing practice. Upholding the tenets of the code, such as respect for human dignity and protection of patient privacy and confidentiality, is essential for promoting safe, quality patient care. By applying these tenets in practice, nurses can enhance their own practice and ensure that patients receive equitable, respectful, and confidential care.
References:
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2018). Nursing Ethics: Across the Curriculum and into Practice (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Silver Spring, MD: Author.