The new Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA 2015) was released in the year 2015 and forms the guide for all practicing nurses on ethics and how to address ethical dilemmas in practicing community nursing. The provision is very specific on the actions of registered practicing nurses in terms of accountability, respect to the patient, and fairness in handling patients of all economic, social, or other class associations. The new regulation of 2015 was created by the American Nurses Association with the aim of addressing different ethics concerns that registered nurses face in their line of duty.
The ANA code is able to weaken the influence of various ethical dilemmas that nurses face in their duties. The code of behavior mentions such policies as the criterion for defining nursing care, the rules that regulate physician response, and the description of the procedure of presenting a complaint in accordance with the ANA’s 2015 nurses’ code of ethics (American Nurses Association, 2015). The first step needs to be a comprehensive investigation and raising awareness of individual examination to a patient to ensure that communication is given on time and in the most professional language to avoid unnecessary confrontation in the healthcare environment (Fielding & Briss, 2011). In general, such actions are strengthening the ethical standard regarding the personal responsibility of nurses, as well as it guarantees a patient proper treatment, as mentioned in the code of ethics (American Nurses Association, 2015).
Diagnosis of the genetic disorder requires maintaining the following principles: effective communication, respect towards the patient, anonymity, rationality, and a high level of support to facilitate the recovery process, according to the 2015 ANA code of ethics (American Nurses Association, 2015). Loyalty to these principles would provide confidence in the success of nursing intervention while dealing with such patients (Finkelman, 2012). To achieve the fulfillment of these principles, it is necessary to maintain respect, secure effective cooperation, and treasure social values that matter for nursing intercession (American Nurses Association, 2015).
The use of rational judgment in the process of dealing with patients is important for maintaining ethical relationships and making all the actions of the nursing staff ethically correct. It is clear that a nurse, who is working with a patient in such a situation, is responsible for keeping anonymity, remaining professional, and providing the patient with necessary care (Casey & Wallis, 2010). No need exists to inquire the patient about their willingness or unwillingness to disclose personal information to other people such as parents since, according to the ANA code of ethics, every patient has a basic right of keeping confidentiality (American Nurses Association, 2015).
The determination act issued in 2015 proclaims that every patient enjoys the right of self-determination (American Nurses Association, 2015). For instance, in a case of dealing with a minor who has been raped, a practicing nurse has the responsibility of informing the parents about the situation, presenting them the full picture, and being aware of their right to accept or decline the proposal. It is clear that, if a nurse makes a different decision and chooses not to inform the parents of a patient about the medical state of their child, the patient will be deprived of a chance to take an active part in treatment apart from preparing the relatives to any potentiality (Singer & LeMahieu, 2011). No ethical dilemma will arise if a nurse performs their duty to notify parents with the approval of the patient (Fowler, 2010). The decision-making process, in this case, should be related to situational ethics. A minor should be introduced to the ethical standards of decision-making by their parents. Nevertheless, provisions 1 and 2 of the code of ethics mention the patient’s right to receive valid information and proper care from nurses (American Nurses Association, 2015).
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics. Web.
Casey, A., & Wallis, A. (2010). Effective Communication: Principle of nursing practice. Nursing Standard Journal, 25(32), 35-37.
Fielding, J., & Briss, P. (2011). Promoting evidence-based public health policy: Can we have better evidence and more action? Health Affairs Journal, 25(4), 969-978.
Finkelman, A. (2012). Leadership and management for nurses: Core competencies for quality care. Upper-Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Fowler, M. (2010). Guide to the code of ethics for nurses: Interpretation and application. Silver Springs, MD: Nursebooks.
Singer, N., & LeMahieu, P. (2011). The effect of scoring order on the independence of holistic and analytic scores. The Journal of Writing Assessment, 4(1), 45-63.