In our Professional Nursing Issues class we recently had to post an ethical dilemma which we had encountered in our professional lives as nurses. We were then to back up our action or non-action with the Code of Ethics for Nurses from the ANA. This has been an excellent way to learn the Code of Ethics. I found this made me read it once as an overview and then read it again to find the parts which backed up my choices during times of ethical uncertainty. We then read everyone elses post to ascertain which parts of the code may or may not apply to their situation. I'll have to remember this...We always remember things better when we can apply it to real life. Now, the code is no longer ethical mumbo jumbo to me but a professional guide available to all nurses when ethical boundaries can become blurry.
The Code of Ethics for Nursing is beautifully written and morally compatible with my personal beliefs and the history of our profession. How nice it would be if nurses would care for others selflessly just because it's the right thing to do. Yes, I am an idealist. Until that day however, we can access the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses here.
"Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience."
Mother Teresa
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