Equity in Health Care and Nursing Standards

Code of Ethics

Part 1

The main points of Provision 7 of the ANA Code of Ethics discuss the roles and responsibilities of nurses in advancing the profession. This includes conducting research, developing professional standards, and generating nursing and health policy. Nurses should also strive to use evidence-based practice to improve patient care and promote better outcomes.

Reading this provision of the Code has taught me the importance of nurses being proactive in advancing the profession and improving patient care. They are not simply there as fill-ins for doctors. In fact, they have a much more substantial and significant role to play in shaping, advancing, and supporting health care at all levels. Thus, it is essential that nurses stay up to date on current research and standards, as well as be prepared to develop new policies and guidelines, by continuing their education, being part of studies and staying abreast of them, and being part of the community of stakeholders who develop policy and standards (Mahoney & Jones, 2013). To that end, they must also have relationships with educators, who prepare the next generation of nurses for the field (Thurman & Pfitzinger-Lippe, 2017).

In my prior and current clinical experiences in courses in which I focused on maternity and mental health, I could apply the information from the selected provision by staying informed on the latest research and developments in these fields. This would include studies on the impact of postpartum depression, strategies for managing high-risk pregnancies, and the effects of stress on maternal and infant health. Other topics of research that would be part of this purview would include the use of technology in prenatal care, approaches to reducing maternal mortality, and the psychological and physical benefits of breastfeeding. I could also use this knowledge to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders to develop new policies that are evidence-based and promote better patient outcomes. Moreover, it would be appropriate to use this provision to encourage nurses to participate in research and scholarly inquiry to further advance the profession.

Part 2

The purpose of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses is to provide a comprehensive ethical framework for nurses to adhere to in all aspects of their professional practice. It is written for all nurses regardless of specialty, practice setting, or geographical location. The ANA Code of Ethics applies to all nurses and provides guidance on a variety of topics including patient advocacy, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical decision-making. The National Student Nurses Code of Ethics is written specifically for student nurses and provides guidance on how to conduct oneself in a professional manner while in school and during clinical rotations. It outlines expectations for professionalism, respect for others, and commitment to excellence in nursing education. Finally, the International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics provides guidance for nurses on how to practice ethically and safely across cultures and borders. This code emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy of patients, advocating for the rights and needs of vulnerable populations, and upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. All three codes are intended to serve as a guide for nurses to ensure they are practicing ethically and responsibly in all aspects of their profession.

The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses addresses health disparities and social justice by emphasizing the nurse's duty to serve as a patient advocate, regardless of their background or situation. It calls for nurses to be aware of and address the unique needs of vulnerable populations and to advocate for policies that promote health equity. An example from this code is the provision which states health is a unverisal right (Provision 8 of the ANA). This provision emphasizes the importance of giving all individuals the same access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances. The National Student Nurses Code of Ethics also addresses social justice by stressing the importance of advocating for all populations and promoting equality. An example from this code is the provision in Section 2.9 which states “Affirm and support diversity and inclusion by refusing to engage in or condone unjust discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, religion, national origin, disability, illness, legal status, or personal attributes” (NSNA, 2022). This provision underscores the need to ensure all individuals are treated equally by healthcare professionals and that no one is marginalized on account of demographics. Finally, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of Ethics addresses health disparities and social justice by calling for nurses to be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences when providing care. An example from this code is the provision which states that nurses must advocate for equity and social justice in access to care (ICN, 2021). This provision emphasizes the importance of being respectful of all cultures and providing equitable care for all patients. It supports the call for social justice in nursing that is needed to return the profession to its roots (Thurman & Pfitzinger-Lippe, 2017).

The three codes of ethics will guide my professional growth and transition from a student nurse to a practicing Registered Nurse, to a global steward for nursing and health by emphasizing the importance of advocating for patients, respecting cultural differences, and promoting health equity by addressing such issues as the social determinants of health and advocating for public health policy that addresses these determinants in a positive way (Mahoney & Jones, 2013). The ANA Code of Ethics will provide an ethical framework to guide me in my practice as a Registered Nurse, while the National Student Nurses Code of Ethics will help me maintain professionalism during my studies. The International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics will guide me in understanding how to practice ethically and safely across cultures and borders, and how to be a leader in promoting health equity and social justice. Thus, all three codes will help me to build on my knowledge and skills as I move through my career and become a global steward for nursing and health.