Code of Ethics for Nurses, Essay Example

5.3      

Nurses cannot allow personal beliefs or biases to interfere with their ability to deliver effective care.  Judging individuals simply because they lead a different lifestyle is wrong on both a professional and personal level.  Because society disagrees with a person’s lifestyle does not warrant a healthcare provider to deny them care.  In the 1980’s and early 1990’s many patients with HIV and AIDS were denied care because of the stigmatization.  A good nurse should transcend their personal fears and prejudices because society’s opinion is not always morally right.  Society’s opinions change, but sick people in need of treatment do not.  Providing care to individuals is both the duty and privilege of a nurse, no matter their opinion of the patient.

5.4      

The professional integrity of nurses can be challenged when trying to care for patients.  Even though they are trying to help, the patient’s dignity may be compromised if information is withheld or falsified.  To maintain a patient’s dignity requires that they have all of the facts regarding their condition, so they can make informed decisions for their care.  There may even be instances when nurses fail to report abusive situations in order maintain a peaceful environment.  Though they may be trying to protect abusive patients and coworkers, failure to report these occurrencesallows unethical behavior to continue.  Achieving adequate healthcare and maintaining dignity are the rights of every patient.  Nurses have a duty to make sure that patients receive both.