Code of Ethics for Nurses SECTION 6.

o Ethical codes are systemic guidelines for shaping Ethical Principles

ethical behavior that answer the normative questions
of what beliefs and values should be morally accepted. 1. Human life is inviolable.
o It is a formal statement of a group’s ideals and values. 2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are
o It is a set of ethical principles that: the goals of nursing practice.
a) Is shared by members of the group, 3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of
b) Reflects their moral judgments over time, and delivered care is the hallmark of nursing accountability.
c) Serves as a standard for their professional actions.
o It must be noted that no code can provide absolute or SECTION 7.
complete rules that are free of conflict and ambiguity.
o Promulgated by: Guidelines to be observed:
Board of Nursing (BON) and was consulted by REGISTERED Nurses must
Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) and coincides
with Republic Act 9173 or the “Philippine Nursing Act 1. know the definition and scope of nursing practice which
of 2002” are in the provisions of R. A. No. 9173, known as the
“Philippine Nursing Act of 2002” and Board Res. No.
ELEMENTS OF THE CODE 425, Series of 2003, the “Rules and Regulations
Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act. of 2002”.
1. Registered Nurses & the People 2. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the
2. Registered Nurses & Practice practice of their profession as defined in the “Philippine
3. Registered Nurses & Co-Workers Nursing Act of 2002” and the IRR.
4. Registered Nurses, Society & Environment 3. acquire and develop the necessary competence in
5. Registered Nurses & Profession knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively render
appropriate nursing services through varied learning
ARTICLE I PREAMBLE situations.
4. if they are administrators, be responsible in providing
Section 1. favorable environment for the growth and
developments of Registered Nurses in their charge.
o Health is a fundamental right of every individual. 5. be cognizant that professional programs for specialty
o The Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth and certification by the BON are accredited through the
dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC).
responsibility to preserve health at all cost. 6. see to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the
o This responsibility encompasses: optimum standard of safe nursing practice.
- promotion of health 7. insure that modification of practice shall consider the
- prevention of illness principles of safe nursing practice.
- alleviation of suffering, and 8. if in position of authority in a work environment, be
- restoration of health. normally and legally responsible for devising a system
o However, when the foregoing is not possible, of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful
assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/her nursing practice.
obligation. 9. ensure that patients’ records shall be available only if
they are to be issued to those who are professionally
SECTIONS 2. and directly involved in their care and when they are
required by law.
o To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have
to gain knowledge and understanding of:
- man’s cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, SECTION 8.
psychological, and ecological aspects of illness, Ethical Principle
utilizing the therapeutic process.
o Cultural diversity and political and socio-economic o Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients:
status are inherent factors to effective nursing care. they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their
rights and privileges.
SECTIONS 3.
Guidelines to be observed:
o The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele,
colleagues, co-workers, and the members of the REGISTERED Nurses must
community provides the incentive to attain and
1. respect the “Patients’ Bill of Rights” in the delivery of
maintain the highest possible degree of ethical
nursing care.
conduct.
2. provide the patients or their families with all pertinent
information except those which may be deemed
ARTICLE II REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE harmful to their well-being.
3. uphold the patients’ rights when conflict arises
SECTION 4. regarding management of their care.
Ethical Principles
SECTION 10.
1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by
individuals shall be respected. Ethical Principles
2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained
- Registered Nurses are aware that their actions
decisions shall be respected.
have professional, ethical, moral, and legal
3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving dimensions.
nursing care shall be held in strict confidence.
- They strive to perform their work in the best
interest of all concerned.
SECTION 5.
Guidelines to be observed: SECTION 11.
REGISTERED Nurses must Guidelines to be observed:

1. consider the individuality and totality of patients when - REGISTERED Nurses must
they administer care. 1. perform their professional duties in
2. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients conformity with existing laws, rules
regarding diet and treatment. regulations, measures, and generally
3. uphold the rights of individuals. accepted principles of moral conduct and
4. take into consideration the culture and values of proper decorum.
patients in providing nursing care. However, in the 2. not allow themselves to be used in
event of conflicts, their welfare and safety must take advertisement that should demean the
precedence. image of the profession (i.e. indecent
exposure, violation of dress code,
seductive behavior, etc.).
 3. decline any gift, favor or hospitality which
might be interpreted as capitalizing on
ARTICLE VI
patients. REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
4. not demand and receive any
commission, fee or emolument for SECTION 16.
recommending or referring a patient to a
physician, a co-nurse or another health Ethical Principles
care worker;
1. Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and
5. Not to pay any commission, fee or other
preservation of its integrity are ideal.
compensations to the one referring or
2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited
recommending a patient to them for
professional organization (PNA), and other
nursing care
professional organizations of which the Registered
6. avoid any abuse of the privilege
Nurse is a member is a lofty duty.
relationship which exists with patients
3. Commitment to continual learning and active
and of the privilege access allowed to
their property, residence or workplace. participation in the development and growth of the
profession are commendable obligations.
4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic
ARTICLE IV conditions and general welfare of nurses through
appropriate legislation is a practice and a visionary
REGISTERED NURSES AND CO-WORKERS
mission.
SECTION 12.
SECTION 17.
Ethical Principles
Guidelines to be observed:
1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other
members of the healthcare team in working for the REGISTERED Nurses must
patient’s best interest.
2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and 1. be members of the Accredited Professional
collaborative working relationship with colleagues and Organization (PNA).
other health care providers. 2. strictly adhere to the nursing standards. PRC-BN
3. participate actively in the growth and development of
SECTION 13. the nursing profession.
4. strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work
Guidelines to be observed:
conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation
REGISTERED Nurses must and other means.
5. assert for the implementation of labor and work
1. maintain their professional role/ identity while working standards.
with other members of the health team.
2. conform with group activities as those of a health team
should be based on acceptable, ethico-legal
ARTICLE VII
standards.
3. contribute to the professional growth and development ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES, REPEALING CLAUSE, &
of other members of the health team. EFFECTIVITY
4. actively participate in professional organizations.
5. not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions. SECTION 18.
6. Honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the
members of nursing and other professions; refrain from o The Certificate of Registration of Registered Nurse
making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms shall either be revoked or suspended for violation of
on their competence, conduct, and procedures; or not any provisions of this Code pursuant to Sec. 23 (f), Art.
do anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and IV of R. A. No. 9173 and Sec. 23 (f), Rule III of Board
to any member of other professions. Resolution No. 425, Series of 2003.
7. Respect the rights of their co-workers.

ARTICLE V
REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY, AND ENVIRONMENT
SECTION 14.
Ethical Principles

1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and

promotion of healthy environment shall be a
commitment of a Registered Nurse.
2. The establishment of linkages with the public in
promoting local, national, and international efforts to
meet health and social needs of the people as a
contributing member of society is a noble concern of a
Registered Nurse.

SECTION 15.
Guidelines to be observed:

REGISTERED Nurses must

1. be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as

such, be involved in community concerns.
2. be equipped with knowledge of health resources within
the community, and take roles in primary health care.
3. be conscious of their obligations as c. actively
participate in programs, projects, and activities that
respond to the problems of society.
4. lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right
conduct and proper decorum.
5. project an image that will uplift the nursing profession
at all times.citizens and, as such, be involved in
community concerns.