Code of Ethics for Nurses  

The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.

The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family group or community.

The nurse promotes, advocates for and strives to protect the health, safety and rights of the patient.

The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegate of tasks consistent with the nurses' obligation to provide optimum patient care.

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.

The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality healthcare consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.

The nurse participants in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.

The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.

The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintain the integrity of the profession and its practice and for shaping social policy.

Adopted ANA House of Delegates June 2001