code of ethics and professional conduct

1. Code of ethics and ethical
principles

2. INTRODUCTION:
• Code is a collection of laws or a system of rules and regulation. A code is
adopted by a profession or by a governmental or quasi- governmental
organization to regulate that profession.
The ethics are moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conduct.
• Ethics is also known as moral philosophy which is a branch of is also
known as moral philosophy which is a branch of philosophy that addresses
questions about morality that deals with concepts such as good and evil,
right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice, etc.

3. DEFINITION:
• Code:
According to Melanie and Evelyn, "ethics refers to the moral code for nursing and
is based on obligation to service and respect for human life".
Ethics: According to sister Nancy, "ethics are the rules or principles the govern right
conduct and are designed to protect the rights of human beings".
Code of ethics:
According to Potter and Perry, "a code of ethics is a set of ethical principles the
are accepted by all members of a profession".
According to Barbara Kozier, "a code of ethics is set of ethical principles that
• Is shared by members of a group
• Reflects their moral judgments over time
• Serves as a standard for their professional actions,

4. PURPOSES
• Guide the profession in self-regulation
• Outline the major ethical consideration of the profession. Provide
ethical standards for professional behavior
• Remind nurses of the special responsibility they assume when
caring for the sick.
• It serves as a mark of professional maturity and professionalism
• It serves as a frame work to making ethical decisions as it provides a
means of evaluating alternative course of action.

5. USES:
• Acknowledges the rightful place of Individuals in health care delivery
system.
• Contributes towards empowerment of individuals to become
responsible for their health and well-being.
• Contributes to quality care.
• Identifies obligations in practice, research and relationships.
• Informs the individuals, families, community and other professionals
about expectations of a nurse.

6. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
While making decision, a nurse manage should consider the following ethical
principles:
• Autonomy:
The autonomy addresses the personal freedom and the right to make
choices decisions. Informed consent is one of the examples of autonomy.
• Beneficence:
The principle state the actions to promote good. Nurse can be prompted by
this principle to encourage the patient undergo extensive, painful treatment
procedures, especially if these procedures increase both the quality and
quantity of the life of the patient.

7. • Non-malefcence:
This principle states that one should do no harm. For nurse manager,
this principle can be used for performance evaluation which emphasize
the worker' qualities and give positive directions for their growth.
• Veracity:
This principle is concerned with telling truth completely. Nurse
managers use this principle while giving facts about all the situations
truthfully and help the employee to take decisions.

8. • Justice:
This principles states to treat all the persons equally and fairly. Every
employee should be considered equally in all the situations, may it be
giving leave or holiday during the time of competition, promotion etc.
No partiality should be done on the part of the nurse manager to the
employees.
• Paternalism:
This principle allows one person to make decisions for another when
other person lacks expertise. Nurse managers use this principle to
assist the employees in deciding major career moves and plans.

9. • Fidelity:
This principle means to keep one's promises or commitments. Nurse
managers follow this principle when they keep promises made to the
employees in the past, may it be a promised leave, promotion etc.
Respect for others:
This principles states the mutual respect between two persons or in
the team. Nurse managers reinforce this principle by serving as role
models for the staff members and others in the unit.

10. CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSE BY
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR NURSES(ICN):
AMENDMENTS:
An international code of ethics for nurses was frst adopted by the
International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1953.It has been revised and
reaffirmed at various times since, most recently with this review and
revision completed in 2006.

11. PREAMBLE:
• Nurses have four fundamental responsibilities: to promote health, to
prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering. The need
for nursing is universal.
• Inherent in nursing is respect for human rights, including cultural
rights, the right to life and choice, to dignity and to be treated with
respect. Nursing care respectful of and unrestricted by considerations
of age, colour, creed, culture, disability or illness, gender, sexual
orientation, nationality, politics, race or social status.
• Nurses render health services to the individual, the family and the
community and co-ordinate their services with those of related
groups.

12. THE ICN CODE:
ELEMENTS OF THE CODE: ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses The has four
principal elements –
NURSES AND PEOPLE
NURSES AND PRACTICE
NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
NURSES AND CO-WORKERS

13. 1. NURSES AND PEOPLE:
The nurse's primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing
care. In providing care, the nurse promotes an environment in which the
human rights, values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the individual, family
and community are respected.
The nurse ensures that the individual receives sufficient information on
which to base consent for care and related treatment.
The nurse holds in confidence personal information and uses judgement in
sharing this information.
The nurse shares with society the responsibility for initiating and supporting
action to meet the health and social needs of the public, in particular those
of vulnerable populations.
The nurse also shares responsibility to sustain and protect the natura
environment from depletion, pollution, degradation and destruction.

14. 2. NURSES AND PRACTICE:
The nurse carries personal responsibility and accountability for nursing
practice, and for maintaining competence by continual learning.
The nurse maintains a standard of personal health such that the ability to
provide care is not compromised.
The nurse uses judgement regarding individual competence when accepting
and delegating responsibility.
The nurse at all times maintains standards of personal conduct which reflect
well on the profession and enhance public confidence.
The nurse, in providing care, ensures that use of technology and scientific
advances are compatible with the safety, dignity and rights of people.

15. 3. NURSES AND THE PROFESSION:
The nurse assumes the major role in determining and implementing
acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice, management,
research and education.
The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based professional
knowledge.
The nurse, acting through the professional organization, participates in
creating and maintaining safe, equitable social and economic working
conditions in nursing.

16. 4. NURSES AND CO-WORKERS:
The nurse sustains a co-operative relationship with co-workers in
nursing and other fields.
The nurse takes appropriate action to safeguard individuals, families
and communities when their health is endangered by a co-worker or
any other person.

17. 5. NURSES AND SOCIETY:
Participate and share responsibility with other citizens & other health
professionals.
Recognize and perform the duties of citizenship and is aware of laws
and regulations which affect the practice of medicine and nursing.

18. CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
BY INDIAN NURSES COUNCIL(INC):
INTRODUCTION:
The code of professional conduct for nurses is critical for building
professionalism and accountability. Ethical considerations are area
dealing with human beings because they represent values, rights and
relationships. The nurse must have professional competence,
responsibility and accountability with moral obligation.

19. AMENDMENTS:
• It is an autonomous body under the Government of India, Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare, constituted by the Central Government under
section 3(1) of th Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947 of Indian parliament.
• Since 1947 Indian Nursing Council Act has undergone minimal
amendments.
• This resulted in several anomalies that have impacted the morale of
Registered Nurses in India especially those practicing in the private sector.
• The last amendment of the act was in the year 2006. According to the
original act the function of the council is to provide uniformity in nursing
education.

20. PURPOSE:
The purpose of professional conduct is to inform both the nurse and
the society of the minimum standard for professional conduct.
It provides regulatory bodies a basis for decisions regarding standards
of professional conduct.
The code of ethics helps to protect the rights of individuals, families
and community and also the rights of nurse.

21. USES OF THE CODE:
• Acknowledges the rightful place of individual in health care delivery
system.
• Contributes towards empowerment of individuals to become
responsible for their health and well being.
• Contributes to quality care.
• Identifies obligations in practice and relationships. Informs the
individual, families, community and other professionals about
expectations.

22. INC CODES OF ETHICS FOR NURSES IN INDIA:
The nurse respects the uniqueness of individual in provision of care
• Provides care for individuals without consideration of caste, creed,
religion, culture, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic and political status,
personal attributes, or any other grounds.
• Individualizes the care considering the beliefs, values and cultural
sensitivities.
• Appreciates the place of the individual in family and community and
facilitates participation of signifcant others in the care.
• Develops and promotes trustful relationship with individual.
• Recognizes uniqueness of response of individuals to interventions and
treatment.

23. The nurse respects the rights of individuals as partner in care and
helps in making informed choices
• Appreciates individual's right to make decisions about their care and
therefore gives adequate and accurate information for enabling them
to make informed choices.
• Respects the decisions made by individual (s) regarding their care.
• Protects public from misinformation and misinterpretations.
• Advocates special provisions to protect vulnerable individuals and
groups.

24. The nurse respects individual's right to privacy, maintains
confidentiality, and shares information judiciously.
• Respects the individual's right to privacy of their personal
information.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information except in life
threatening situations and uses discretion in sharing information.

25. Nurse maintains competence in order to render Quality Nursing Care.
• Nursing care must be provided only by registered nurse.
• Nurse strives to maintain quality nursing care and upholds the
standards.
• Nurse valves continuing education and initiate and utilizes all
opportunities for self development.
• Nurse values research as a means of development of nursing
profession and participates in nursing research adhering to ethical
principles.

26. The nurse is obliged to practice within the framework of ethical,
professional and legal boundaries
• Adheres to code of ethics and code of professional conduct for nurses
in India developed by Indian Nursing council.
• Familiarizes with relevant laws and practices in accordance with the
law of the state.

27. Nurse is obliged to work harmoniously with the members of the
health team.
• Appreciates the team efforts in rendering care.
• Cooperates, coordinates and collaborates with the members of the
health to meet the needs of the people.

28. Nurse commits to reciprocate the trust invested in nursing profession
by society
• Demonstrates personal etiquettes in all dealings.
• Demonstrates professional attributes in all dealings.

29. INC CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR
NURSES IN INDIA

30. 1. Professional Responsibility and accountability
1.1 Appreciates sense of self-worth and nurtures it.
1.2 Maintains standards of personal conduct reflecting credit upon the
profession.
1.3 Carries out responsibilities within the framework of the
professional boundaries.
1.4 Is accountable for maintaining practice standards set by Indian
Nursing Council
1.5 Is accountable for own decisions and actions

31. CONTD…
1.6 Is compassionate
1.7 Is responsible for continuous improvement of current practices
1.8 Provides adequate information to individuals that allows them
informed choices
1.9 Practices healthful behavior

32. 2. Nursing Practice
2.1 Provides care in accordance with set standards of practice
2.2 Treats all individuals and families with human dignity in providing
physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of care
2.3 Respects individual and families in the context of traditional and
cultural practices and discouraging
2.4 Presents realistic picture truthfully in all situations for facilitating
autonomous decision-making by individuals and families

33. CONTD…
2.5 Promotes participation of individuals and significant others in the
care
2.6 Ensures safe practice
2.7 Consults, coordinates, collaborates and follows up appropriately
when individuals’ care needs exceed the nurse’s competence.

34. 3. Communication and Interpersonal
Relationships
3.1 Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal relationship with
individuals, families and communities
3.2 Upholds the dignity of team members and maintains effective
interpersonal relationship with them
3.3 Appreciates and nurtures professional role of team members
3.4 Cooperates with other health professionals to meet the needs of
the individuals, families and communities

35. 4. Valuing Human Being
4.1 Takes appropriate action to protect individuals from harmful
unethical practice
4.2 Consider relevant facts while taking conscience decisions in the
best interest of individuals
4.3 Encourage and support individuals in their right to speak for
themselves on issues affecting their health and welfare
4.4 Respects and supports choices made by individuals

36. 5. Management
5.1 Ensures appropriate allocation and utilization of available resources
5.2 Participates in supervision and education of students and other
formal care providers
5.3 Uses judgment in relation to individual competence while accepting
and delegating responsibility
5.4 Facilitates conducive work culture in order to achieve institutional
objectives

37. CONTD…
5.5 Communicates effectively following appropriate channels of
communication
5.6 Participates in performance appraisal
5.7 Participates in evaluation of nursing services
5.8 Participates in policy decisions, following the principle of equity and
accessibility of services
5.9 Works with individuals to identify their needs and sensitizes policy
makers and funding agencies for resource allocation

38. 6. Professional Advancement
6.1 Ensures the protection of the human rights while pursuing the
advancement of knowledge
6.2 Contributes to the development
6.3 Participates in determining and implementing quality care
6.4 Takes responsibility for updating own knowledge and competencies
6.5 Contributes to the core of professional knowledge by conducting
and participating in research

39. SUMMARIZATION:
Code of ethics is like a boundary that protects the health care team
members from the outside issues and to act under that for the
betterment of the patient and for yourself also. There are some
principles like autonomy, fidelity, justice, veracity, beneficence etc. The
code has served as the standard for the nurses worldwide since 1953.
the nurse is obliged to provide services even if it is in conflict with his
or her personal beliefs and values.

40. CONCLUSION:
• The ethics of professional nursing center on the care of the patient.
The nurse, in ethical practice, develops a relationship with the
patient. This practice complements the ethics and subsequent actions
of the physicians, whose ethics focus on the treatment of the illness
or condition of the patient.