PNA CODE for NURSES

Fundamental Concepts Health is a fundamental right of every individual. Therefore, the nurses primary responsibility is to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. Basic to nursing is knowledge and understanding of man. For effective healthcare knowledge of mans cultural, social, patho-physiological, psychological, and ecological aspects of illness and the therapeutic process are essential. Differences in ethnicity, political, and social status are not barriers to effective nursing care. Standards of practice vary in different settings. Society is ever changing and the nurse responds to change. Respect for the rights and dignity of individuals is basic to the practice of the profession. Nurses and people Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals are to be respected. The nurse holds in strict confidence personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care. He/she uses discriminative judgment in the sharing time. Nurses and practice The nurse is accountable for his/her own nursing practice. He/she is responsible for his/her personal and professional growth and development. The nurse maintains or modifies standards of practice within the reality of any given situation. Quality care is his/her goal. The nurse is the advocate of the patient. He/she takes appropriate steps to safeguard the patients rights and privileges. The nurse is aware that his/her nursing actions have professional, ethical, moral, and legal dimensions. He/she strives to perform his/her work in the best interest of all concernced. The nurse observes personal and professional decorum at all times. Nurses and co-workers The nurse maintains collaborative working relationship with his/her co-workers and other members of the health team. The nurse recognizes his/her capabilities and limitations in accepting responsibilities and those of his/her co-workers when delegating responsibilities to them. Nurses and society The nurse is a contributing member of society. He/she assumes responsibilities inherent in being a member and citizen of the community/society in which he/she lives or works. He/she recognizes the nee for change and initiates, participates, and supports activities to meet the health and social needs of the people.

Nurses and profession The nurse is expected to be a member of the nursing professional organization. Inherent in this responsibility is to support and uphold its constitution and by-laws. The nurse helps to determine and implement desirable standards of nursing practice and nursing education. He/she participates actively in the development and growth of the nursing profession. He/she strives to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation and other means.