10 Code of Ethics Points

For Nurses

By Madison Sigmon

Point 1: The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the health problems

Point 2: The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.

Point 3: The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.

Point 4: The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.

Point 5: The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.

Point 6: The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.

Point 7: The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.

Point 8: The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national and international efforts to meet health needs.

Point 9: The profession of nursing value, for maintaining the integrity of the procession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Point 10: Nurses must strive to prevent and minimize adverse events4 in collaboration with colleagues on the health care team. When adverse events occur, nurses should utilize opportunities to improve the system and prevent harm.