Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia

Assignment Task

Introduction

This Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia has been developed for the nursing profession in Australia. It is relevant to all nurses at all levels and areas of practice including those encompassing clinical, management,education and research domains.1 This Code is framed by the principles and standards set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the World Health Organization’s Constitution and publication series entitled Health and Human Rights; and the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Report 2004: Cultural liberty in today’s diverse world. 2 In considering this Code and its companion, the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia, it should be borne in mind that they are designed for multiple audiences: nurses; nursing students; people requiring or receiving nursing care; the community generally; employers of nurses; nursing regulatory authorities; and consumer protection agencies. It is also noteworthy that the concepts of ‘ethics’ and ‘morality’ are substantially the same and have been used interchangeably throughout this Code. This Code outlines the nursing profession’s commitment to respect, promote, protect and uphold the fundamental rights of people who are both the recipients and providers of nursing and health care. It is supported by, and should be read in conjunction with, the Code of Conduct for Nurses in Australia and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse, National Competency Standards for the Enrolled Nurse and National Competency Standards for the Nurse Practitioner.

Purpose

1. Nurses value quality nursing care for all people.

2. Nurses value respect and kindness for self and others.

3. Nurses value the diversity of people.

4. Nurses value access to quality nursing and health care for all people.

5. Nurses value informed decision making.

6. Nurses value a culture of safety in nursing and health care.

7. Nurses value ethical management of information.

8. Nurses value a socially economically and ecologically sustainable environment promoting health and wellbeing.

The purpose of the Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia is to:

• Identify the fundamental ethical standards and values to which the nursing profession is committed, and that are incorporated in other endorsed professional nursing guidelines and standards of conduct
• Provide nurses with a reference point from which to reflect on the conduct of themselves and others
• Guide ethical decision-making and practice
• Indicate to the community the human rights standards and ethical values it can expect nurses to uphold.

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