What it means
A set of provisions, with explanations, that the American Nurses Association publishes and revises from time to time. It says that nurses practice with respect for the dignity and worth of every person, that their first commitment is to the patient, and that they advocate for patients' rights, health and safety. It also covers the nurse's duties to themselves, to the profession and to society. Other countries have their own codes, such as the International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics.
For the nurse
Use the code when a situation is ethically unclear, along with facility policy and the ethics committee.
At a glance
| Also written | ANA Code of Ethics |
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Related terms
American Nurses Association
The professional organization for registered nurses in the United States.
advocate
To speak up and act for a client's rights, safety and wishes; also, a person who does this.
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
ethics
The study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.
ethics committee
A group in a health care facility that helps staff, clients and families work through difficult moral questions about care.