Understand how the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics provides guidance in clinical decision-making. Identify the specific provisions of the Code and their applications in ethical decision-making. Evaluate the significance of Provision 2 (Primary Commitment to the Patient) as the most beneficial code in guiding clinical practice. Explore the advantages of applying the Code of Ethics, with a focus on Provision 9 (Promoting Social Justice), to politics and policy in healthcare.

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Discussion:

 

I. How the Code of Ethics Guides Decision-Making in Clinical Practice Settings:

A. Compassion and Respect (Provision 1): 

The ANA Nursing Code of Ethics, Provision 1, states that it is essential to practice compassion and respect for all people (American Nurses Association, 2021). This provision is a cornerstone that directs nurses to promote dignity in care and communication when making decisions in clinical practice settings (American Nurses Association, 2021). It establishes a dedication to providing patients and their families with the highest level of respect, which in turn cultivates therapeutic connections based on empathy (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

Nurses who are impacted by Provision 1 intentionally incorporate compassion and respect into their decision-making when faced with moral quandaries (American Nurses Association, 2021). This entails appreciating the distinct qualities and intrinsic worth of every individual under their care (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). It requires nurses to consider the emotional and psychological health of patients and their families, in addition to the medical aspects of treatment (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This phrase, which emphasizes the need for empathy in understanding and meeting people's overall needs, is critical in developing a patient-centered approach to decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021).

Using Provision 1 ensures that the human-centered approach to nursing care is always considered when making decisions (American Nurses Association, 2021). It transcends the technical aspects of medicine and emphasizes the importance of interaction and communication in fostering confidence between patients and medical staff (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). This section ultimately instructs nurses to make decisions that align with clinical recommendations and show a strong commitment to maintaining the dignity and well-being of every patient in their care (American Nurses Association, 2021).

B. Primary Commitment to the Patient (Provision 2): 

Provision 2 emphasizes the nurse's primary commitment to the patient, providing a critical guide for decision-making in clinical practice settings (American Nurses Association, 2021). In the realm of decision-making, this provision directs nurses to place the patient's needs as their foremost concern (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). It encourages collaboration with other healthcare professionals and addresses conflicts of interest that might compromise patient well-being (American Nurses Association, 2021). By doing so, Provision 2 establishes a framework that ensures decisions are centered around achieving the best possible care outcomes for the patient (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

When faced with ethical decisions, nurses guided by Provision 2 prioritize the individual patient's thought and inclusion in care practices (American Nurses Association, 2021). This provision recognizes the importance of acknowledging the patient's autonomy and involving them in decisions related to their healthcare journey (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). It prompts nurses to navigate any conflicts of interest, whether they stem from external organizations or personal habits, to prevent any negative impact on patient care (American Nurses Association, 2021).

In essence, Provision 2 fosters a patient-centered decision-making approach, stressing the importance of collaboration, open communication, and shared decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021). It guides nurses to consider the unique attributes and preferences of each patient, ensuring that care plans are tailored to meet individual needs (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020). By upholding the principle of the primary commitment to the patient, nurses contribute to building a healthcare environment where patient advocacy is at the core of ethical decision-making (American Nurses Association, 2021).

C. Promoting Patient Rights (Provision 3): 

Provision 3 entails defending and upholding the patient's rights, health, and safety while also serving as a vital source of information for clinical practice environments' decision-making processes (American Nurses Association, 2021). When making decisions, nurses follow privacy policies, have informed permission, and report any misbehavior or safety issues (American Nurses Association, 2021). By preserving patient rights and guaranteeing that ethical considerations take precedence over other factors when making decisions that affect a patient's well-being, the execution of Provision 3 promotes openness and trust in society (Griffith & Tengnah, 2020).

Nurses who follow Provision 3 are aware of how cruc

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