THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS

FOR NURSES
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Explore the purpose of the Code
Aquire knowledge about the ICN Code of Ethics
Discuss the principal elements for ethical conduct
INTRODUCTION
An international code of ethics for nurses was
first adopted by the International Council of
\
Nurses (ICN) in 1953.
It has been revised and reaffirmed at various
times since.
Most recently with this review and revision
completed in 2021
PURPOSE OF THE CODE
The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is a statement of the ethical
values, responsibilities, and professional accountabilities of nurses
and nursing students that defines and guides ethical nursing
practice within the different roles nurses assume.

It is not a code of conduct but can serve as a framework for

ethical nursing practice and decision-making to meet

professional standards set by regulatory bodies.

It provides ethical guidance in relation to nurses’ roles, duties,
responsibilities, behaviours, professional judgement and
relationships with patients, other people who are receiving
nursing care or services, co-workers and allied professionals.
PURPOSE OF THE CODE
The Code is foundational and to be built upon in combination
with the laws, regulations and professional standards of

countries that govern nursing practice.

The values and obligations expressed in this Code apply to
nurses in all settings, roles and domains of practice.
FOUR FUNDAMENTAL
RESPONSIBILITIES OF 1. to promote health
NURSES
2. to prevent illness
3. to restore health
4. to alleviate suffering and
promote a dignified death
THE NEED FOR NURSING IS

UNIVERSAL.
Inherent in nursing is a respect for human rights, including

CULTURAL THE RIGHT

RIGHTS TO LIFE
AND CHOICE
THE RIGHT THE RIGHT TO
TO DIGNITY BE TREATED
WITH
RESPECT
 FOUR PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT
Nurses and
patients or Nurses Nurses Nurses
other people
requiring care and and the and global
or services care practice profession health
or services
1. NURSES AND PATIENTS OR OTHER PEOPLE REQUIRING CARE OR SERVICES
Nurses’ primary professional responsibility is to people requiring
nursing care and services.
Nurses promote an environment in which the human rights, values,
customs, religious and spiritual beliefs are acknowledged and
respected by everyone.
Nurses ensure that the individual and family receive understandable,
accurate, sufficient and timely information in a culturally appropriate
manner on which to base consent for care and related treatment.
Nurses hold in confidence personal information and uses judgment in
sharing information.
Nurses respect the privacy and confidentiality of colleagues and
people requiring care and uphold the integrity of the nursing
profession.
1. NURSES AND PATIENTS OR OTHER PEOPLE REQUIRING CARE OR SERVICES
Nurses share with society the responsibility for initiating and
supporting action to meet the health and social needs of all people.
Nurses advocate for equity and social justice in resource
allocation, access to health care and other social and economic
services.
Nurses demonstrate professional values such as respect, justice,
responsiveness, caring, compassion, empathy, trustworthiness and
integrity.
Nurses facilitate a culture of safety in health care environments.
Nurses provide evidence-informed, person-centred care.
Nurses ensure that the use of technology and scientific advances
are compatible with the safety, dignity and rights of people.
 2. NURSES AND PRACTICE
Nurses carry personal responsibility and accountability for ethical
nursing practice, and for maintaining competence by continual
learning.
Nurses maintain fitness to practice so as not to compromise their
ability to provide quality, safe care.
Nurses practice their individual competence and regulated scope
of practice and use of judgment when accepting and delegating
responsibility.
Nurses value their own dignity, well-being and health.
Nurses maintain standards of personal conduct at all times.
Nurses share their knowledge and expertise and provide
feedback, mentor and support professional development.
 2. NURSES AND PRACTICE
Nurses are patient advocates, and they maintain a practice culture
that promotes ethical behaviour and open dialogue.
Nurses may conscientiously object to participating in procedures
or health-related research but must facilitate respectful and timely
action to ensure that people receive appropriate care.
Nurses maintain a person’s right to give and withdraw consent to
access their personal, health and genetic information.
Nurses take appropriate actions to safeguard individuals, families,
communities and populations when their health is endangered.
Nurses are active participants in the promotion of patient safety.
Nurses are accountable for data integrity to support and facilitate
ethical standards of care.
 3. NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
Nurses assume the major role in determining and implementing
evidence-informed, acceptable standards of clinical nursing
practice, management, research and education.
Nurses and nursing scholars are active in expanding research-
based, current professional knowledge that supports evidence-
informed practice.
Nurses are active in developing and sustaining a core of
professional values.
Nurses participate in creating a positive and constructive
practice environment where practice encompasses clinical care,
education, research, management and leadership.
 3. NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
Nurses contribute to positive and ethical organisational
environments and challenge unethical practices and settings.
Nurses engage in the creation, dissemination and application of
research that improves outcomes for individuals, families and
communities.
Nurses prepare for and respond to emergencies, disasters,
conflicts, epidemics, pandemics, social crises and conditions of
scarce resources.
 4. NURSES AND GLOBAL HEALTH
Nurses value health care as a human right, affirming the right to
universal access to health care for all.
Nurses uphold the dignity, freedom and worth of all human
beings and oppose all forms of exploitation, such as human
trafficking and child labour.
Nurses lead or contribute to sound health policy development.
Nurses contribute to population health and work towards the
achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals.
Nurses recognise the significance of the social determinants of
health.
 4. NURSES AND GLOBAL HEALTH
Nurses collaborate and practise to preserve, sustain and protect
the natural environment and are aware of the health
consequences of environmental degradation.
Nurses collaborate with other health and social care professions
and the public to uphold principles of justice by promoting
responsibility in human rights, equity and fairness and by
promoting the public good and a healthy planet.
Nurses collaborate across countries to develop and maintain
global health and to ensure policies and principles for this.
NURSES CAN THEREFORE:
Study the standards under each element of the Code.
Reflect on what each standard means. Think about ways to apply ethics
to the personal domain of nursing practice, education, research,
management, leadership or policy development.
Discuss the Code with co-workers and others.
Use a specific example from experience to identify ethical dilemmas
and standards of conduct as outlined in the Code. Identify ways in
which the Code guides in the resolution of dilemmas.
Work in groups to clarify ethical decision making and reach a
consensus on standards of ethical conduct.
Collaborate with the National Nurses Association, co-workers, and
others in the continuous application of ethical standards in nursing
practice, education, management, research and policy.
SUGGESTIONS FOR USE OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES
The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is a guide for action
based on social values and needs. It will have meaning
only as a living document if applied to the realities of
nursing and health care in a changing society.

To achieve its purpose the Code must be understood,

internalised and used by nurses in all aspects of their
work. It must be available to students and nurses
throughout their study and work lives.
 References:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/ethical-principles-in-
nursing
https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/2023-06/ICN_Code-of-Ethics_EN_Web.pdf