Professional Nursing Code of Ethics

Question 1

Advocacy

Answer 1

Advocacy refers to the application of one’s skills and knowledge for the
benefit of another person.As
a nurse you advocate for the health, safety, and rights of patients,
including their right to privacy and their right to refuse treatment
(Giuliante, 2017). Your special relationship with patients provides you
with knowledge that is specific to your role as a registered nurse and as
such with the opportunity to make a unique contribution to
understanding a patient’s point of view.

Question 2

Responsibility

Answer 2

The word responsibility refers to a willingness to respect one’s professional
obligations and to follow through. As a nurse you are responsible for your
actions, the care you provide, and the tasks that you delegate to others.
This responsibility also means maintaining your competence to provide
care and seeking guidance when you are uncertain of your skills and
knowledge. You also demonstrate responsibility by applying your
workplace’s policies and procedures to the care you provide.

Question 3

Accountability

Answer 3

Accountability refers to answering for your own actions. You ensure that
your professional actions are explainable to your patients and your
employer. Health care institutions also exercise accountability by
monitoring individual and institutional compliance with national standards established by agencies such as The Joint Commission (TJC).
TJC establishes national patient safety guidelines to ensure patient and
workplace safety through consistent, effective nursing practices (TJC,
2019). The ANA Code of Ethics promotes ethical decision making by
se􀄴ing standards for collaborative interprofessional communication.

Question 4

Confidentiality

Answer 4

Patients have the right to keep their personal health information private.
Confidentiality refers to the health care team’s obligation to respect patient privacy. Federal legislation known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandates confidentiality and
protection of patients’ personal health information. The legislation defines
the rights and privileges of patients for protection of privacy. It establishes
fines for violations (USDHHS, 2017).