Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements
The Code of Ethics for Nurses establishes the ethical standard for the profession and provides a guide for nurses to use in ethical analysis and decision-making. It is non-negotiable in any setting, neither is it subject to revision or amendment except by formal process of revision by the American Nurses Association. The Code of Ethics for Nurses arises from within the long, distinguished, and enduring moral tradition of modern nursing in the United States. It is foundational to nursing theory, practice, and praxis in its expression of the values, virtues and obligations that shape, guide, and inform nursing as a profession. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness, the alleviation of suffering, and the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. This is reflected, in part, in nursing’s persisting commitment to the welfare of the sick, injured, and vulnerable in society and for social justice issues. ...