Nursing Code of Ethics and ICN vs Pakistan Nursing Council

Nursing Ethics

• The main purpose of nursing ethics is to provide standards for the profession.
• The first International Code of Nursing Ethics was adopted by the Grand Council of the International Council of Nurses in 1953.

The Nursing Pledge

• The term 'Nursing Pledge' refers to the code of ethics that was first written in 1893 by Lystra Gretter.

Ethical Concepts

• The International Council of Nurses (ICN) adopts and publishes ethical concepts applied to nursing, including respect for human rights, dignity, and autonomy.

Role of Nursing Ethics

• Nursing ethics provides standards for the profession and guides nurses in their practice.
• Nursing ethics plays a crucial role in relation to other health professionals, as it ensures collaboration and respect for diverse roles.

ICN Code of Ethics

• The most recent revision of the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses was in 2012.
• According to the ICN Code of Ethics, nurses have four fundamental responsibilities.
• The nurse's primary professional responsibility is to promote health, prevent illness, and restore health.
• One of the elements outlined in the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is that nursing care respects and does not restrict individuals' rights by considerations of age, color, creed, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, politics, race, religion, or social status.
• The motive behind nursing is to provide care that is based on the principles of dignity, autonomy, and integrity.
• When providing care, the nurse ensures that individuals receive safe and respectful care.
• The nurse shares with society the responsibility to promote health and prevent illness.
• One of the responsibilities of a nurse is to promote a safe and healthy practice environment.