Code Of Ethics

Nursing, like any other profession, requires clear regulatory principles to guide nurses on their practice. The code of ethics and conduct for nurses and midwives is a major tool in the safeguarding of the public’s health and wellbeing. In regulating nursing practice, the code of ethics and conduct act as a framework for judging the fitness to practice of individual registered nurses whenever their practice is questionable (Goldsmith 2011, p. 12). They outline the minimum standards that nurses and midwives should uphold. The code also serves as a framework for professionally and legally responsible and accountable nursing practice. Employing, regulatory, professional, and consumer bodies can use the code of ethics and conduct as the basis to
It also serves as a tool for supporting learning and reflection, decision-making, and development. The code also helps registered nurses in raising concerns, safeguarding, and improving care standards. It clearly directs midwives and nurses to take prompt actions when they foresee the potential of a patient being put at risk. It offers variety of information that nurses and midwives can use to address wellbeing and safety issues of patients under their care (Goldsmith 2011, p. 14). The other role of the code is to support continued professional development through research and evidence-based practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2008, p. 6). As nurses and midwives regularly refer to the code and the various supporting advice and guidance, they are reminded of the principles underpinning their practice and to improve on them (Goldsmith 2011, p.
When using social media, nurses should abide by organizational polices regarding professional and personal social media tools (College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia 2012, p. 3). The nurse has legal and ethical responsibility to maintain confidentiality and privacy of co-workers ad clients’ information and should avoid posting any client images of other information. If the nurse intends to post information for the purpose of education on social media, then informed consent from the concerned parties must be sought (Cerasa 2011, p.