What is personal professional development in Nursing?

The Code of Ethics project was initiated by the American Nursing Association's Board of Directors and the Congress on Nursing Practice in 1995.

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Professional responsibility as applied to nurses refers to the ethical and moral obligations permeating the nursing profession. These standards relate to patient care, collaboration with other medical professionals, integrity, morals and the responsibility to effectuate social change. Nurses must learn these rules during their schooling, whether they are becoming a registered nurse or certified nurse practitioner. Ethical violations could result in a loss of license or discipline by the state nursing board.

Patient's Interests

The best interests of the patient are pre-eminent above any other concern or bias held by the nurse. She is to espouse compassion and respect for the patient's self-determination, regardless of the patient's sex, age, nationality, race or medical condition. Nurses must always resolve conflicts of interest in ways to ensure patient safety and guard professional integrity. Part of this responsibility is the nurse's duty to collaborate fully with the entire treatment team, including doctors, other nurses and specialists.

Advocacy and Responsibility

The nurse has a duty to advocate for her patients. She must work to advance the patient's legal rights, privacy protections and right to choose whether or not to participate in medical research. As an advocate, the nurse must ensure that she meets all qualification and state licensure regulations prior to participating in nursing activities and must be vigilant against other colleagues with impairments. At all times, nurses have the professional duty to accept personal responsibility for their actions and are accountable for nursing judgment and action or inaction. This accountability extends to situations in which the nurse delegates duties to a colleague or subordinate.

Related Reading: Accountability as a Professional Nurse

Values and Morals

The nurse has a duty of self-respect and morality to herself as well as those around her, including patients. Nurses must maintain constant professional growth and commitment to lifelong learning. Ethics rules dictate that a nurse must manifest a positive wholeness of character, meaning her virtuous character extends beyond the workplace and into her personal life. Nurses are expected to be moral and express wisdom, courage and honesty. Nurses in a leadership role must provide employees an opportunity to express grievances in a positive way and create environments that foster ethical nursing practices.