Nurse-patient Ratios: An Ethical Dilemma

Nurse-patient Ratios: An Ethical Dilemma

Introduction

The purpose of code of ethics in nursing with reference to the provider-patient relationship is not only for the patients but for nurses as well. Code of ethics ensures that nurses remain committed to patients and the health care needs of the patients are also fulfilled accordingly. These ethics are meant for nurses in all domains and at all levels and are mainly helpful in the decision-making process. The code of ethics helps in addressing the social equities also in ensuring quality work environments that support delivery of ethical care. Therefore, Code of ethics is a guide for the nurses to carry their nursing responsibilities in an ethical manner (Virginia Nurses Today, 2011). Similarly, it is also important for the health care educators to follow the code of ethics by striving hard and by ensuring to create a learning environment that nurtures to fulfillment the potential of all students (Nordquist, 2008).

Discussion

Code of Ethics

“Code of ethics” was initiated by ANA Board of Directors and the Congress on Nursing Practice in 1995. However, “The Code of Ethics Project Task Force”, appointed in 1996, was charged with establishing a comprehensive process of review, analysis and revision of the Code for Nurses (1985), providing initial substantive critique and suggested modifications, creating open review process, and developing final recommendations (Schmid, 2001).

Code of Ethics for Nurses

Respect and Human Dignity

Nurses are expected to treat patients with respect and dignity irrespective of the patient's social status. Moreover, they should ensure human dignity and must also ensure a positive relationship with the patients. Besides this, the nurses must ensure that they understand the nature of the health problems well and work with self-determination. Besides taking care of the patients, the nurses must also have a positive relationship with colleagues and other people they interact with.

Interests of the Patient

The primary aim of the nurses should be to remain committed with patients and to look after their interests. There should not be any conflict of interest for nurses with the nurses for which they must collaborate with the patient well. Moreover, professional boundaries are defined to the nurses, and they must not cross any of them (Infusion Nurses Society, 2003).

Privacy

Ensuring the patient's privacy is also the duty of nurses and a code of ethics that must be ensured. Therefore, nurses must guarantee confidentiality of the patient more importantly in cases when research is being conducted. For this, an impaired practice must be addressed, and standards and review mechanisms must be implemented.

Accountability

Nurses are expected to act and perform their duties in a responsible manner and are held accountable for their work. This also includes their judgment and actions they take with regards to the judgments.

Self-Respect

Nurses must only respect the patients they treat but, they must also develop moral self-respect. In terms of professional growth, they must strive hard to grow and to maintain their competence. Moreover, they are also expected to have a virtuous character and are expected to preserve their ...