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258 appendix 1 | Codes of Ethics for Nurses CikguOnline
5. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality The nurse holds in confidence personal infor-
mation and uses judgment in sharing this infor-
Nurses recognize the importance of privacy and mation.
confidentiality and safeguard personal, family and The nurse shares with society the responsibility
community information obtained in the context of for initiating and supporting action to meet the
a professional relationship.
health and social needs of the public, in particular
6. Promoting justice those of vulnerable populations.
The nurse also shares responsibility to sustain
Nurses uphold principles of justice by safeguarding and protect the natural environment from deple-
human rights, equity and fairness and by promot- tion, pollution, degradation, and destruction.
ing the public good.
Nurses and Practice
7. Being accountable
The nurse carries personal responsibility and
Nurses are accountable for their actions and accountability for nursing practice, and for main-
answerable for their practice. Ethical nursing prac- taining competence by continual learning.
tice also involves endeavoring to address broad The nurse maintains a standard personal
aspects of social justice that are associated with health such that the ability to provide care is not
health and well-being. These aspects relate to the compromised.
need for change in systems and societal structures The nurse uses judgment regarding individual
in order to create greater equity for all. Nurses competence when accepting and delegating
should endeavor as much as possible, individually responsibility.
and collectively, to advocate for and work toward The nurse at all times maintains standards of
eliminating social inequities. The code contains personal conduct which reflect well on the profes-
thirteen statements entitled “ethical endeavors,” sion and enhance public confidence.
which are intended to guide nurses in this area. The nurse, in providing care, ensures that use of
These statements address the need for awareness technology and scientific advances are compatible
and action around such areas as social inequalities, with safety, dignity, and rights of people.
accessibility and comprehensiveness of health care,
and major health concerns (e.g., poverty, violence, Nurses and the Profession
inadequate shelter) as well as broader global con- The nurse assumes the major role in determining
cerns (e.g., war, violations of human rights, world and implementing acceptable standards of clinical
hunger). nursing practice, management, research, and educa-
Canadian Nursing Association. Web site: tion.
www.cna-nurses.ca The nurse is active in developing a core
Reprinted with permission from the Canadian research-based professional knowledge.
Nurses Association, 2008. The nurse, acting through professional organi-
The International Council of Nurses zations, participates in creating and maintaining
Code of Ethics for Nurses equitable social and economic working conditions
in nursing.
Nurses and People
The nurse’s primary professional responsibility is to Nurses and Co-Workers
people requiring nursing care. The nurse sustains a co-operative relationship with
In providing nursing care, the nurse promotes co-workers in nursing and other fields.
an environment in which the human rights, values, The nurse takes appropriate action to safeguard
customs, and spiritual beliefs of the individual, individuals when their care is endangered by a co-
family, and community are respected. worker or any other person.
The nurse ensures that the individual receives Approved 2000. Web site: cn.ch/ethics.htm
sufficient information on which to base consent for Used with permission International Council of
care and related treatment. Nurses, Geneva, Switzerland, copyright 2000.