Guide to the code of ethics for nurses: interpretation and application

Provision 1: ǂt "The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems" / ǂr Carol R. Taylor

ǂg Provision 2: ǂt "The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community" / ǂr Anne J. Davis

ǂg Provision 3: ǂt "The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient" / ǂr John G. Twomey

ǂg Provision 4: ǂt "The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimum patient care" / ǂr Laurie A. Badzek

ǂg Provision 5: ǂt "The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth" / ǂr Marsha D.M. Fowler

ǂg Provision 6: ǂt "The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action" / ǂr Linda L. Olson

ǂg Provision 7: ǂt "The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development" / ǂr Theresa S. Drought and Elizabeth G. Epstein

ǂg Provision 8: ǂt "The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs" / ǂr Mary C. Silva

ǂg Provision 9: ǂt "The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy" / ǂr Marsha D.M. Fowler

ǂg Appendix A: ǂt Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements / ǂr American Nurses Association ǂg (2001).