Case Study Using the Code of Ethics for Nurses

The Code of Ethics for nurses was developed to explicit the primary values, goals, and responsibility towards the nursing profession. It is used as a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations from nurses. The 1st provision states, “The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes or the nature of the health problems” (American Nurses Association, 2001, p. 7). The 2nd provision states, “The nurses primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community” (ANA, 2001, p. 9). The 3rd provision states, “The nurse promotes, advocates for and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient” (ANA, 2001, p. 12). The 4th provision states, “The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care (ANA, 2001, p. 16). The 5th provision states, “The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth” (ANA, 2001, p. 18). The 6th provision states, “The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action” (ANA, 2001, p. 20). The 7th provision states, “The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, a...

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...r meditation, arranging a private space for a particular ritual, contacting an appropriate spiritual support person, or ensuring that specific dietary requirements are met. Praying with or reading scripture to patients may be included in nursing care, providing it is done with the patient’s permission and within the context of the patient’s tradition (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008, p. 456). Ms. Kerns stated that she believed that, “God gave us the technology to preserve the life of our patients”. Ms. Kerns’ statement provided evidence that her spirituality had driven her actions throughout Mr. Corbett’s case. Mr. Corbett never mentioned any personal spiritual preference and it is important to consider that it is possible that Mr. Corbett may have preferred to be put on a DNR order, despite what the nurse may consider to be correct within the realm of her own beliefs.