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Nursing Code of Ethics
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| This quote illustrates that even in 1859 the founder of the nursing profession understood the ethical principle of non-malfeasance or "do no harm". | "It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a Hospital that it
should do the sick no harm."
Florence Nightingale
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Both the Hippocratic Oath recited by physicians and the Nightingale Pledge written in 1893 by Lystra Gretter refer to concepts that are now described as ethical values.
Shown here ins each othese oaths is the reference to the ethical value of confidentiality.
Nightingale Pledge "....and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs
coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling." |
Hippocratic Oath "Whatever, in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it, I may see or hear in the lives of men
which ought not to be spoken abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret."
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What is the Canadian Nursing Code of Ethics?
The ethical code used by registered nurses in Canada is the Canadian Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses formulated by the Canadian Nurses Association. This code provides guidelines for ethical decision making in nursing practice.
An ethical code articulates the underlying values of the nursing profession and gives guidelines for nurses in establishing ethical relationships and making ethical decisions.
Only the provinces of Quebec and Ontario have their own provincial ethical code for nurses. However, it is the values articulated in the Canadian Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses that are tested on the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam (CRNE).
The Canadian Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses formulated by the Canadian Nurses Association is structured around 7 values:
- Safe, compassionate, competent and ethical care
- Health and well-being
- Informed decision making
- Dignity
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Justice
- Accountability
If you want to become a nurse in Canada you must be familiar with the Canadian nursing code of ethics. The Canadian Registered Nurse Exam will have content that tests your knowledge of ethics in nursing.
You should know what each of the professional ethical values mean and be able to apply those values to a situation given in an exam.
A typical question on the Canadian Registered Nurse exam would be to provide you with a case that presents an ethical dilemma. You would then have to select the most appropriate nursing action from the answers given. This selection will be more difficult if you are not aware of the values upon which the decision should be based.
Here is a list of all the the pages on this website (including this one) that contain more specific information about ethics in nursing.
Nursing Ethics in Canada - an introduction to the regulations that require ethical nursing practice in Canada.What is the Nursing Code of Ethics for nursing practice in Canada?
The What's and Why's of an Ethical Code for Nursing Practice
Ethical Theories - a brief explanation of the three classifications of ethical theories used most often by nurses
What is an Ethical Dilemma in Nursing Practice? - a description of the ethical principles used in moral reasoning in nursing practice.
Ethical Decision Making in Nursing Practice - the Influence of Personal and Professional Values
Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice in Canada - What are Some of the Current Ethical Issues in Nursing?
The requirement for Ethics in Nursing Curriculum in Canada
Current Nursing Shortage
Some provincial health authorities have decreased the number of nursing positions because of funding shortfalls. These are some of the political nuances of nursing in Canada.
The various career sections on health authority websites still show a wide variety of positions, but many of them are not entry level.
This is most likely a temporary situation and all predictions still forcast a nursing shortage for the future.
I will be monitoring this situation over the longer term.
A Canadian visitor says:
Bev:I have read the pages on your site, and just thought you should know, that so far your website has been the most valuable information tool I have found. It is really hard to find the right information. I have just enrolled in a diploma program, RPN, and then I would like to follow through and get my degree.
Thank you again for your time, and for the great site, I am certainly going to pass it along.
Copyright©
2009
This website is a private commercial enterprise and is owned and operated by Beverly Hansen OMalley.
It is not in any way affiliated with, endorsed by, or supported by the government of Canada or any nursing regulatory organization in Canada.
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