Nursing Code Of Ethics

Caduceus an ancient Greek or Roman herald's wand, typically one with two serpents twined round it, carried by the messenger god Hermes or Mercury. The word comes from Latin, from Doric Greek karukeion for Greek kērux 'herald'.

BOARD OF NURSING

Board Resolution No. 220

Series of 2004

PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES

WHEREAS, the Board of Nursing has the power to promulgate a Code of Ethics for

Registered Nurses in coordination and consultation with the accredited

professional organization (Sec. 9, (g), Art. III of R.A. No. 9173, known as the

"Philippine Nursing Act of 2002);

WHEREAS, in the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, the Code of

Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines was utilized as the

prinicipal basis therefor: All the principles under the said Code were adopted and

integrated into the Code of Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession;

WHEREAS, the promulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines, regulations or

measures shall be subject to approval by the Commission (Sec. 9, Art. II of R.A.

No. 9173); and

WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the

accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the Philippine Nurses

Association, Inc (PNA), and other affiliate organizations of Registered Nurses,

decided to adopt a new Code of Ethics under the afore-mentioned new Law;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board hereby resolved, as it now resolves, to promulgate the

hereunder Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses:

ARTICLE I

PREAMBLE

SECTION 1.

Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse,

believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary

responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of

health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. However,

when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/her

obligation.

SECTION 2.

To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and

understanding of man's cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological, and

ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and

political and socio-economic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care.

SECTION 3.

The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and

the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest

possible degree of ethical conduct.

ARTICLE II

REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE

SECTION 4.

Ethical Principles

1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be respected.

2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be

respected.

3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held

in strict confidence.

SECTION 5.

Guidelines to be observed:

REGISTERED Nurses must

a. consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer

care.

b. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and

treatment.

c. uphold the rights of individuals.

d. take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing

nursing care. However, in the event of conflicts, their welfare and safety

must take precedence.

ARTICLE III

REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE

SECTION 6.

Ethical Principles

1. Human life is inviolable.

2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are the goals of nursing practice.

3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark

of nursing accountability.

SECTION 7.

Guidelines to be observed:

REGISTERED Nurses must

a. know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the

provisions of R. A. No. 9173, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of

2002" and Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the "Rules and

Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act. of 2002",