Summary

The code is organized into two parts. The first "describes the ethical responsibilities central to ethical nursing practice articulated through seven primary values and responsibility statements: (CNA, 2017). These focus on the provision of care, the promotion of health and well-being, informed decision-making, dignity, privacy, justice and accountability. There is also discussion of the role and use of the Code as both an aspirational and regulatory document "designed to inform everyone about the ethical values and subsequent responsibilities and endeavours of nurses" yet "also a regulatory tool." (Ibid:2)
Each of these values is elaborated in some detail; for example, the discussion of "provision of care" references speech and body language, building relationships, learning from "near misses", adjusting priorities and minimizing harm, safeguarding care during job actions, and more. It is worth noting that the promotion of dignity means to "take into account their values, customs and spiritual beliefs, as well as their social and economic circumstances without judgment or bias." (Ibid:12)
In the second part, the document asserts that "ethical nursing practice addresses broad aspects of social justice that are associated with health and well-being. These aspects are focused on improving systems and societal structures to create greater equity for all" (Ibid:18). This includes "advocating for publicly administered health systems that ensure accessibility, universality, portability and comprehensiveness in necessary health-care services," as well as maintaining an awareness of health-related public policy and issues of poverty, inequality and discrimination.

Content

The seven primary values are (with selected subpoints):

providing safe, compassionate, competent and ethical care
- engage in compassionate care through their speech and body language
- trustworthy relationships with persons receiving care - this needs conscious effort
- take all necessary actions to prevent or minimize patient safety incidents
- seek [appropriate] direction and guidance
promoting health and well-being
- respect the well-being of persons receiving care above all other objectives, including the search for knowledge
- use and advocate for the use of the least restrictive measures possible
promoting and respecting informed decision-making
- work with persons receiving care to explore the range of choices available
- respect capable persons receiving care wishing to decline to receive information
- Be sensitive to the inherent power differentials between care providers and persons receiving care, and do not misuse that power
honouring dignity
- relate to all persons receiving care with respect
- take into account their values, customs and spiritual beliefs, as well as their social and economic circumstances without judgment or bias
- respect the privacy of persons receiving care by providing care in a discreet manner and by minimizing intrusions
- encourage persons receiving care at the end of their life to be clear about what they want. They listen to a person's stories to gain greater clarity about their goals and wishes.
maintaining privacy and confidentiality
- nurses collect, use and disclose health information on a need-to-know basis with the highest degree of anonymity possible
promoting justice
- nurses uphold principles of justice by safeguarding human rights, equity and fairness and by promoting the public good
- nurses do not engage in any form of lying, punishment or torture or any form of unusual treatment or action that is inhumane or degrading
being accountable

Force:yes