Understand how the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics provides guidance in clinical decision-making. Identify the specific provisions of the Code and their applications in ethical decision-making. Evaluate the significance of Provision 2 (Primary Commitment to the Patient) as the most beneficial code in guiding clinical practice. Explore the advantages of applying the Code of Ethics, with a focus on Provision 9 (Promoting Social Justice), to politics and policy in healthcare.

 
 

Discussion:

 

I. How the Code of Ethics Guides Decision-Making in Clinical Practice Settings:

A. Compassion and Respect (Provision 1): 

The ANA Nursing Code of Ethics, Provision 1, states that it is essential to practice compassion and respect for all people (American Nurses Association, 2021). This provision is a cornerstone that directs nurses to promote dignity in care and communication when making decisions in clinical practice settings (American Nurses Association, 2021). It establishes a dedication to providing patients and their families with the highest level of respect, which in turn cultivates therapeutic connections based on empathy (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

Nurses who are impacted by Provision 1 intentionally incorporate compassion and respect into their decision-making when faced with moral quandaries (American Nurses Association, 2021). This entails appreciating the distinct qualities and intrinsic worth of every individual under their care (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). It requires nurses to consider the emotional and psychological health of patients and their families, in addition to the medical aspects of treatment (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This phrase, which emphasizes the need for empathy in understanding and meeting people's overall needs, is critical in developing a patient-centered approach to decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021).

Using Provision 1 ensures that the human-centered approach to nursing care is always considered when making decisions (American Nurses Association, 2021). It transcends the technical aspects of medicine and emphasizes the importance of interaction and communication in fostering confidence between patients and medical staff (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This section ultimately instructs nurses to make decisions that align with clinical recommendations and show a strong commitment to maintaining the dignity and well-being of every patient in their care (American Nurses Association, 2021).

B. Primary Commitment to the Patient (Provision 2): 

Provision 2 emphasizes the nurse's primary commitment to the patient, providing a critical guide for decision-making in clinical practice settings (American Nurses Association, 2021). In the realm of decision-making, this provision directs nurses to place the patient's needs as their foremost concern (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). It encourages collaboration with other healthcare professionals and addresses conflicts of interest that might compromise patient well-being (American Nurses Association, 2021). By doing so, Provision 2 establishes a framework that ensures decisions are centered around achieving the best possible care outcomes for the patient (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

When faced with ethical decisions, nurses guided by Provision 2 prioritize the individual patient's thought and inclusion in care practices (American Nurses Association, 2021). This provision recognizes the importance of acknowledging the patient's autonomy and involving them in decisions related to their healthcare journey (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). It prompts nurses to navigate any conflicts of interest, whether they stem from external organizations or personal habits, to prevent any negative impact on patient care (American Nurses Association, 2021).

In essence, Provision 2 fosters a patient-centered decision-making approach, stressing the importance of collaboration, open communication, and shared decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021). It guides nurses to consider the unique attributes and preferences of each patient, ensuring that care plans are tailored to meet individual needs (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). By upholding the principle of the primary commitment to the patient, nurses contribute to building a healthcare environment where patient advocacy is at the core of ethical decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021).

C. Promoting Patient Rights (Provision 3): 

Provision 3 entails defending and upholding the patient's rights, health, and safety while also serving as a vital source of information for clinical practice environments' decision-making processes (American Nurses Association, 2021). When making decisions, nurses follow privacy policies, have informed permission, and report any misbehavior or safety issues (American Nurses Association, 2021). By preserving patient rights and guaranteeing that ethical considerations take precedence over other factors when making decisions that affect a patient's well-being, the execution of Provision 3 promotes openness and trust in society (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

Nurses who follow Provision 3 are aware of how crucial it is to respect patients' privacy and autonomy (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). They make certain that patients are properly informed about their care, that appropriate consent is obtained, and that they actively participate in decisions that impact their health during the decision-making process (American Nurses Association, 2021). This provision promotes a patient-centric approach that upholds individual rights and acts as a guide for nurses navigating ethical dilemmas (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

In addition, Provision 3 directs nurses to act as watchful advocates for patients (American Nurses Association, 2021). It is the ethical responsibility of nurses to disclose concerns regarding misbehavior or safety in order to safeguard patients' rights and well-being (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This clause creates a framework for decision-making where patient advocacy is given first priority, creating a setting where patients feel safe in the knowledge that their rights and welfare are protected (American Nurses Association, 2021).

D. Authority, Accountability, and Responsibility (Provision 4): 

Provision 4 of the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics emphasizes the nurse's authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice, playing a pivotal role in guiding ethical decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021). In the context of decision-making, nurses adhere to principles that promote responsible decision-making, ethical utilization of authority, and alignment of actions with the overarching obligation to provide optimal patient care (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This provision serves as a beacon, ensuring that accountability permeates all levels of nursing practice (American Nurses Association, 2021).

Decision-making, guided by Provision 4, entails a meticulous consideration of the ethical implications associated with the authority wielded by nurses (American Nurses Association, 2021). It prompts nurses to reflect on the ethical dimensions of their decisions, ensuring that authority is exercised with the utmost integrity and in the best interest of patient care (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). Responsible decision-making becomes intrinsic to the nursing practice, emphasizing not only clinical efficacy but also ethical appropriateness (American Nurses Association, 2021).

The provision establishes a robust framework that safeguards the integrity of nursing practice (American Nurses Association, 2021). It guides nurses to make decisions that align with ethical standards, emphasizing transparency and honesty in all actions (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). By holding nurses accountable for their decisions, Provision 4 fosters an ethical culture within healthcare settings, promoting trust among healthcare professionals, patients, and the broader community (American Nurses Association, 2021).

E. Duties to Self and Others (Provision 5): 

Provision 5 underscores the nurse's duties to both self and others, emphasizing the promotion of health, safety, and the maintenance of competence (American Nurses Association, 2021). In the realm of decision-making, nurses prioritize self-care, safe practice, and continuous learning (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This proactive approach ensures that nurses are not only physically and mentally well but also competent and capable of delivering high-quality care to their patients (American Nurses Association, 2021).

Decision-making guided by Provision 5 involves a conscious effort to address the well-being of the nurse, recognizing that a healthy and competent nursing workforce is essential for optimal patient care (American Nurses Association, 2021). Nurses, influenced by this provision, engage in ongoing self-assessment to identify areas for improvement, actively seeking opportunities for professional growth and development (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). The ethical responsibility to maintain personal health and well-being extends to fostering a workplace culture that supports the physical and mental health of all healthcare professionals (American Nurses Association, 2021).

The provision indirectly influences decision-making by acknowledging the interconnectedness of individual well-being and the delivery of safe and effective patient care (American Nurses Association, 2021). By prioritizing self-care and continuous learning, nurses contribute to the creation of a healthcare environment where ethical considerations extend beyond patient interactions to encompass the holistic welfare of the healthcare workforce (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). Provision 5 serves as a guidepost, reminding nurses that ethical decision-making involves a commitment to the well-being of both oneself and others in the healthcare community (American Nurses Association, 2021).