Code of Ethics for Nurses
Background
An international code of ethics for nurses was first adopted in 1953. It has been revised and reaffirmed at various times since then; most recently with a revision in 1999. General in nature, but specific in application, it is most suited to the special challenges faced by Nurses. There has never been a Code specifically adapted for travel allied healthcare professionals in every specialty and/or in general or advanced practice who travel throughout the United States and throughout the world. This adaptation of the ICN Code for Nurses helps make clear what has only been inferred before. Where reference is made to an individual in the Code, it also infers to family and community.
Preamble
The need for health care is universal. Thus, health care is provided without prejudice. That is, the allied health care professional treats all persons of whatever nationality, race, creed, culture, gender, politics or social status as humans to be respected and cared for equally. Respect for human rights, including the right to life, to dignity and to be treated with respect is intrinsic to the healthcare professional/patient relationship. Allied healthcare professionals render health services to individuals, families and the communities and coordinate their services with those of related groups. The Code has five principle elements that outline the standards of ethical conduct.
Allied Healthcare Professionals and People
- An Allied healthcare professional’s primary professional responsibility is to people requiring health care.
- Allied healthcare professionals, in providing care, promote an environment in which the human rights, values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the individual, family and community are respected.
- Allied healthcare professionals ensure that the individual receives sufficient information on which to base consent for care and related treatment.
- Allied healthcare professionals hold in confidence personal information and use judgment in sharing this information.
- Allied healthcare professionals hold in confidence any proprietary information learned in conjunction with their employment.
- Allied healthcare professionals share 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.
- Allied healthcare professionals also share responsibility to sustain and protect the natural environment from depletion, pollution, degradation and destruction.
Allied Healthcare Professionals and Practice
- Allied healthcare professionals carry personal responsibility and accountability for health care practice and for maintaining competence by continual learning.
- Allied healthcare professionals maintain a standard of personal health so that the ability to provide care is not compromised.
- Allied healthcare professionals use judgment in relation to individual competence when accepting assignments and delegating responsibilities.
- Allied healthcare professionals, at all times, maintain standards of personal conduct that reflect well on the profession and enhance public confidence.
- Allied healthcare professionals, in providing care, ensure that the use of technology and scientific advances are compatible with the safety, dignity and rights of people.
Allied Healthcare Professionals and Co-workers
- Allied healthcare professionals sustain a cooperative relationship with co-workers in nursing and other fields.
- Allied healthcare professionals take appropriate action to safeguard patients when their care is endangered by a co-worker or any other person.
Allied Healthcare Professionals and Employers
- Allied healthcare professionals practice within the legal restrictions of each jurisdiction.
- Allied healthcare professionals practice according to the policies of their employer as delineated in their contract with the employing agency.
- Allied healthcare professionals practice collaboratively within the policies of the contracting company and health care setting (hospital, etc.)
- Allied healthcare professionals promptly report ethical, legal and practice concerns to their employing company.
* An adaptation of International Council of Nurses' Code of Ethics for Nurses, see http://www.icn.ch/
