Ameircan_Nurses_Association

American Nurses Association AGBM0509E HCS/435 University of Phoenix November 11, 2009 American Nurses Association According to Dictionary.com, “Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with morality. Ethics is concerned with distinguishing between good and evil in the world, between right and wrong human actions and between virtuous and nonvirtuous characteristics of people.” Their voice is heard throughout the United States through newsletters, Internet, magazines, and lobbying. Their goal is to ensure nurses rights in the healthcare settings. They can also deliver messages to their members and other nurses through their website and journals. Their publications and conferences help support the purpose of good nurses and heath care around the world. According to the American Nurses Association,” it is the leading professional for registered nurses in the United States.” To become a member, registered nurses must be licensed, abide by the American Nurses Association Rules/Regulations, and pay membership dues. He or she can join their state of choice or become members in multiple states, and pay fees according to that particular state’s guideline. This association is not mandatory by registered nurses; he or she can discontinue their membership simply by not registering. American Nurses Association The American Nurses Association code of ethics for nurses calls for “its nurse to practice with compassion and respect for every individual” (ANA,2001). “They believe that health care is a basic human right” (Schroeter, 2002). Although the American Nurses Association sets goal for higher standards in health care, they also ensure the needs of patients and consumers. According to the American Nurses Association, the Code of Ethics for Nurses are as listed: Primacy of the Patient’s interests Confidentiality Acceptance of accountability and responsibility Moral self respect Influence of the environment on moral and values Assertion of values Health needs and concerns The five ethic principles that are used in the nursing practice are nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice, and privacy/confidentiality. The first principle is, do not cause harm to the patient. Beauchamp and Childress state that “each of the following three forms of beneficence requires taking action by helping—preventing harm, removing harm, and promoting good”(p.192). The third ethical principle, autonomy, means an individual has the right to make decisions about their lives without the involvement of others. The fourth ethical principle, justice, means giving each person what he or she is due. Justice can be measured in terms of fairness and equality. The fifth ethical principle relates to privacy and confidentiality. Privacy belongs to each person, and, as such, cannot be taken away from that person unless he or she wishes to. Confidentiality, on the other hand, means that the information that is being shared with others will not be spread, and will be used only for the purposes intended. The grievance procedures are simple for nurses. Grievances are any complaints concerning any matter relating to employment. One must first state his or her grievance, list who is involved, state what happened, when did it happen, and where did it happen. This information can be provided in writing or in person from whom the complaint is being filed by. In the opinion of the writer, I sincerely think that the Code of Ethics serves its purpose for all nurses. He or she should provide service with respect, assume accountability for his or her actions, and maintain a compassionate and caring relationship for the patient. If this type of behavior is carried out by the nurse each day, the nurse is adhering to the code of ethics for nursing standards. A nurse should not view her job as an occupation, but as a profession. A code will help remind the nurse of his or her duties and responsibilities. Yes, the American Nurses Association code of ethics should be enforced each day and all day to keep patients safe, mentally and physically. American Nurses Association I have no recommendations for strengthening the American Nurses Association Code of ethics. The rules and guidelines are very well developed, set good standards, and they shape the future of the profession. If all nurses follow the American Nurses Association standards, he or she will be able to grow and strengthen their professionalism. American Nurses Association Reference “American Nurses Association.” Special Interest Group Profiles for students.Ed. KelleS. Sinsung. Detroit: Gale Group, 1991. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Apollo Library. 17 June 2009