Nursing Code Of Ethics
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BOARD OF NURSING
Board Resolution No. 220
Series of 2004
PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES
WHEREAS, the Board of Nursing has the power to promulgate a Code of Ethics for
Registered Nurses in coordination and consultation with the accredited
professional organization (Sec. 9, (g), Art. III of R.A. No. 9173, known as the
“Philippine Nursing Act of 2002);
WHEREAS, in the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, the Code of
Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines was utilized as the
prinicipal basis therefor: All the principles under the said Code were adopted and
integrated into the Code of Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession;
WHEREAS, the promulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines, regulations or
measures shall be subject to approval by the Commission (Sec. 9, Art. II of R.A.
No. 9173); and
WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the
accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the Philippine Nurses
Association, Inc (PNA), and other affiliate organizations of Registered Nurses,
decided to adopt a new Code of Ethics under the afore-mentioned new Law;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board hereby resolved, as it now resolves, to promulgate the
hereunder Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses:
ARTICLE I
PREAMBLE
SECTION 1.
Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse,
believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary
responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of
health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. However,
when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/her
obligation.
SECTION 2.
To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and
understanding of mans cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological, and
ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and
political and socio-economic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care.
SECTION 3.
The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and
the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest
possible degree of ethical conduct.
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE
SECTION 4.
Ethical Principles
1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be respected.
2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be
respected.
3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held
in strict confidence.
SECTION 5.
Guidelines to be observed:
REGISTERED Nurses must
a. consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer
care.
b. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and
treatment.
c. uphold the rights of individuals.
d. take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing
nursing care. However, in the event of conflicts, their welfare and safety
must take precedence.
ARTICLE III
REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE
SECTION 6.
Ethical Principles
1. Human life is inviolable.
2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are the goals of nursing practice.
3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark
of nursing accountability.
SECTION 7.
Guidelines to be observed:
REGISTERED Nurses must
a. know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the
provisions of R. A. No. 9173, known as the “Philippine Nursing Act of
2002” and Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the “Rules and
Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act. of 2002”,