What is the purpose of the American Nurses Association ANA Code of Ethics?

Each person, upon entering the nursing profession, inherits a measure of the responsibility and trust associated with the profession, along with the corresponding obligation to adhere to the standards of ethical practice and conduct it has set. Nursing students are expected to show responsibility in their behavior; to deal with faculty, peers, patients, and clinical staff in a direct and honest manner; and to be professional in their conduct. Students who violate accepted standards for professional nursing may be discharged from the program. The Code of Ethics for Nurses was adopted by the American Nurses Association in 1950 and revised in 1960, 1968, 1976, 1985, and 2001 ( Reissued in 2010).

1. The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
2. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth. 
6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.
9. The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Because nurses work in challenging conditions confronting life and death situations, the nursing code of ethics establishes standards that help them provide the best quality patient care with compassion, respect, and accountability.

The most recently revised version of the Code of Ethics for Nurses developed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) establishes these ethical standards for nursing professionals.

The code compels nurses to make decisions that protect the rights and safety of their patients independent of personal bias or conflicts of interest. The nursing code of ethics serves as a foundational, non-negotiable guide for nurses to use when analyzing situations and making ethical decisions in the best interests of their patients.

9 Provisions in the Nursing Code of Ethics

The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses consists of nine provisions and support statements. The provisions assert the ethical and moral foundation of the nursing profession.

How to Become an Ethical Nurse

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) requires at least a nursing diploma or two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), although an increasing number of employers require a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

Ethics training has become an important part of nursing education, providing the skills needed for ethically guided decision-making that aligns with the nursing code of ethics.

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse

Complete prerequisites for nursing school

Most nursing schools ask students to complete prerequisites in courses like anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology, and statistics before allowing them to enroll. Aspiring nurses should check on the specific liberal arts and science prerequisites before applying to their intended programs.

Earn an ADN or a BSN degree

An ADN offers the fastest route to an RN degree, taking approximately two years to complete. Most BSN degrees require four years but accelerated programs allow students who hold a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field to complete their nursing training in approximately one year.

Pass the NCLEX-RN

The National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) is required by all states for RN licensure. In their last semester of studies, students should apply to the state nursing board where they intend to practice and register to take this computerized exam.

Find employment

While RNs can expect a promising employment outlook, the field has become competitive. Nursing students should try to stand out from other job seekers by using their school’s career center for help with resumes and identifying appropriate job openings.

Earn board certification

RNs who get certifications in specialty areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or gerontology broaden their career and salary prospects. Board certifications typically require two years of clinical practice in the desired specialty and passing the certification exam.

Related Resources

Reviewed by:

Nicole Galan, RN, MSN

Nicole Galan, RN, MSN, is a registered nurse who earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Capella University and currently works as a full-time freelance writer. Throughout her nursing career, Galan worked in a general medical/surgical care unit and then in infertility care. She has also worked for over 13 years as a freelance writer specializing in consumer health sites and educational materials for nursing students.

Galan is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners here.

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