Nursing Values and Professional Ethics
What is the importance of values and ethics? Values and ethics set the tone for human behavior. Values and ethics determine how we interact with the world, with those around us, and with ourselves. Values and ethics provide the framework for how we view the world, as well as what we put out into it. Nursing values and professional ethics are no different. These values and ethics determine the code by which we care, communicate, and approach the job of nursing.
So, what role do nursing values and professional ethics play on public health and policy?
For this Discussion, you will consider the role of nursing values and professional ethics on your selected advocacy issue. You will also consider the impact of law, politics, and ethics on the issue.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
equired Resources
· Dawes, D. E. (2020).
The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
· Chapter 2, “Setting the Precedent: America’s Attempts to Address the Political Determinants of Health Inequalities” (pp. 18–40)
· Porche, D. J. (2023).
Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
· Chapter 16, “Policy, Law, and Politics: Ethical Perspective” (pp. 239–254)
· American Nurses Association. (2015).
Code of ethics for nurses with interpretative statementsLinks to an external site.
.
· American Nurses Association. (2015). Chapter 1. Social contract theory: This profession called “nursing,” and its rights, privileges, and obligations. In
Guide to nursing’s social policy statementLinks to an external site.
(pp. 1–28).
· Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (n.d.).
COVID-19 fact sheetsLinks to an external site.
[Infographics].
To Prepare:
· Review the resources about nursing values and professional ethics.
· Review your identified population from Weeks 1 and 2.
· Consider the connection to nursing values and professional ethics to your identified advocacy priority.
By Day 3 of Week 3
Post a response detailing the following:
· Describe the nursing values and professional ethics related to the advocacy priority identified for the selected population.
· Why do our nursing values and ethics demand it be on the agenda?
· Compare the role of law, ethics, or politics on the population identified in your Week 2 Advocacy Area Assignment. Consider which area (law, ethics, or politics) has the most impact on the area.
· RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSSION POST
· Nursing Values and Professional Ethics
· Ev NO
· Discussion
· Nursing values and professional ethics are critical in public health and policy (American Nurses Association, 2015). The advocacy priority for the African American population emphasizes cultural competence, justice, and equity (Dawes, 2020). Nurses are advocates for equitable healthcare and should ensure that this population has access to services that reduce health disparities and address their unique needs (Satcher Health Leadership Institute, 2024). Nurses should respect and understand the cultural values, beliefs, and practices influencing African American health behaviors. The care provided to African Americans should be patient-centered and culturally sensitive.
· Nursing values and ethics demand this advocacy be on the agenda because nurses are bound to promote justice, highlighting the need for addressing systemic inequalities that impact the African American population disproportionately. Nurses can address systemic barriers by upholding the principle of fairness, ensuring equity in care. This process further requires nurses to acknowledge the historical mistrust and trauma African American communities may feel towards the healthcare system. Showing empathy and compassion can help African Americans heal and gain trust in the system.
· Law, ethics, and policy impact the African American population in various ways by shaping their experiences in economic opportunities, health, education, and social systems. The law sets the framework for rights, protections, and social norms. Ethics shape professional and social standards, influencing decisions, behaviors, and practices. Politics determines how laws and policies are created and implemented (Porche, 2021). Of the three, the most impactful area is politics because it determines the frameworks that shape ethical practices and laws. Politics is the main driver for change, as witnessed in transformative political movements that led to changes in law, such as the Civil Rights Act. Political advocacy can help address issues like healthcare disparities and police reform.
·
· References
· American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
Links to an external site.
· Dawes, D. E. (2020). The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
· Porche, D. J. (2021). Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
· Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (2024). COVID-19 Fact Sheets. [Infographics].
Links to an external site.
