Reflections of Ethics
Reflections of Ethics, Legalities, & Advocacy
Shakeylla Allen
University Of Arkansas at Little Rock
NURS 3350 Section 993-Summer
Dr. Frances Sparti-Instructor
Reflections of Ethics, Legalities, & Advocacy
Ethics in the field of nursing is as important as the profession itself (Burkhardt, 2002). The American Nurses Association created a Nursing Code of Ethics to ensure uniformity (Dell, 2009). However, it is important to note that although this is the most popular code, there are others, specifically for various other countries. This standard for nurses has been updated over the years and will continue to change with the healthcare industry (Dell, 2009). Yet, the heart of the ethical code for nurses is and will always be the health and welfare of their patient (Burkhardt, 2002). Ethics is an integral part of the foundation of nursing. Nursing has a distinguished history of concern for the welfare of the sick, injured, and vulnerable and for social justice. This concern is embodied in the provision of nursing care to individuals and the community. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness, the alleviation of suffering, and the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities (Burkhardt, 2002). Individuals who became nurses are expected not only to adhere to the ideals and moral norms of the profession, but also to embrace them as a part of what it means to be a nurse. The Code of Ethics for Nurses developed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) makes explicit the primary goals, values, and obligations of the profession (Dell, 2009).
Nursing is for the brave hearts - those driven beyond time and quantity to deliver medical attention to the sick and dying. However, over the past decades the monetary gains, percentage of nurses addicted to drugs, and the associated freebies have almost corrupted the practice (Dell, 2009). There is hardly any reference to the selflessness of Florence
Shakeylla Allen
University Of Arkansas at Little Rock
NURS 3350 Section 993-Summer
Dr. Frances Sparti-Instructor
Reflections of Ethics, Legalities, & Advocacy
Ethics in the field of nursing is as important as the profession itself (Burkhardt, 2002). The American Nurses Association created a Nursing Code of Ethics to ensure uniformity (Dell, 2009). However, it is important to note that although this is the most popular code, there are others, specifically for various other countries. This standard for nurses has been updated over the years and will continue to change with the healthcare industry (Dell, 2009). Yet, the heart of the ethical code for nurses is and will always be the health and welfare of their patient (Burkhardt, 2002). Ethics is an integral part of the foundation of nursing. Nursing has a distinguished history of concern for the welfare of the sick, injured, and vulnerable and for social justice. This concern is embodied in the provision of nursing care to individuals and the community. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness, the alleviation of suffering, and the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities (Burkhardt, 2002). Individuals who became nurses are expected not only to adhere to the ideals and moral norms of the profession, but also to embrace them as a part of what it means to be a nurse. The Code of Ethics for Nurses developed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) makes explicit the primary goals, values, and obligations of the profession (Dell, 2009).
Nursing is for the brave hearts - those driven beyond time and quantity to deliver medical attention to the sick and dying. However, over the past decades the monetary gains, percentage of nurses addicted to drugs, and the associated freebies have almost corrupted the practice (Dell, 2009). There is hardly any reference to the selflessness of Florence
References: Dell, T. M. (2009). The economic value of professional nursing. Medical Care, 47(1), 97-104. Horton, K. (2007). The value of nursing: A literature review. Nursing Ethics, 14(6), 716-740. Burkhardt, M. (2002). Ethics & issues in contemporary nursing (2nd ed.) New York: Delmar. University of Washington. (1998). University of Washington School of Medicine. Retrieved from Ethics in Medicine Web site: http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/ Ethics and Humanities Links. (1996). The Program in Society and Medicine. Retrieved from Ethics and Humanities Links Web site: http://www.med.umich.ed