CODE

CODE OF
OF ETHICS
ETHICS FOR
FOR NURSES
NURSES IN
INTHE
THE
PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES

By: Jerard Andes I.

 ARTICLE
CODE OF ETHICS 1 NURSES IN
FOR
THEPREAMBLE
PHILIPPINES

• The Philippine Nurses Code of Ethics can be found through

Professional Regulatory – Board of Nursing (PR-BON)
Resolution No. 220, series of 2004.

• The Board of Nursing (BON) has the power to promulgate

the code of ethics in coordination with the Accredited
Professional Organization, PNA
 ARTICLE
CODE OF ETHICS 1 NURSES IN
FOR
THEPREAMBLE
PHILIPPINES

• In the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the Code

of Good Governance for the Professions in the
Philippines was utilized as the principal basis.

• The Philippines Nurses Code of Ethics is composed of seven

(7) articles.

• The Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses was made after a

consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City
 ARTICLE
ARTICLE11
PREAMBLE
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.

SECTION 2.
• To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and understanding of man’s
cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological, and ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the
therapeutic process.

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
ARTICLEIIII
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNURSES
NURSESANDANDPEOPLE
PEOP LE

SECTION 4.
Ethical Principle
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.
 ARTICLE
ARTICLEIIII
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNURSES
NURSESANDANDPEOPLE
PEOP LE

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
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEIII
III
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNUR
NURSES
SESAND
ANDPRACTIC
PRACTICEE

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.
 ARTIC LE III
ARTIC LE III
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNURSES
NUR SESAND
ANDPRACTICE
PRACTIC E

SECTION 7.
REGISTERED Nurse 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”, (the IRR)
b. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their profession was defined in the
“Philippine Nursing Act of 2002” and the IRR.
c. acquire and develop the necessary competence in knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively
render appropriate nursing services through varied learning situations.
d. if they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable environment for the growth and
developments of Registered Nurses in their charge.
 ARTIC LE III
ARTIC LE III
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNURSES
NUR SESAND
ANDPRACTICE
PRACTIC E

SECTION 7.
e. be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certification by the BON are accredited
through the Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC).
f. see to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the optimum standard of safe nursing
practice.
g. insure that modification of practice shall consider the principles of safe nursing practice.
h. if in position of authority in a work environment, be normally and legally responsible for
devising a system of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice.
i. ensure that patients’ records shall be available only if they are to be issued to those who are
professionally and directly involved in their care and when they are required by law.
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEIII
III
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNUR
NURSES
SESAND
ANDPRACTIC
PRACTICEE

SECTION 8.
4. Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their
rights and privileges.
REGISTERED Nurses must
a. respect the “Patients’ Bill of Rights” in the delivery of nursing care.
b. provide the patients or their families with all pertinent information except those which may be
deemed harmful to their well-being.
c. uphold the patients’ rights when conflict arises regarding management of their care.

SECTION 9.
5. Registered Nurse are aware that their actions have professional, ethical, moral, and legal dimensions. They
strive to perform their work in the best interest of all concerned.
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEIII
III
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNUR
NURSES
SESAND
ANDPRACTIC
PRACTICEE

SECTION 10.
REGISTERED Nurses must:
a. perform their professional duties in conformity with existing laws, rules regulations. Measures, and
generally accepted principles of moral conduct and proper decorum.
b. not allow themselves to be used in advertisement that should demean the image of the profession (i.e.
indecent exposure, violation of dress code, seductive behavior, etc.).
c. decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted as capitalizing on patients.
d. not demand and receive any commission, fee or emolument for recommending or referring a patient
to a physician, a co-nurse or another health care worker; not to pay any commission, fee or other
compensations to the one referring or recommending a patient to them for nursing care.
e. avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with patients and of the privilege access
allowed to their property, residence or workplace.
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEIV
IV
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNUR
NURSES
SESAND
ANDCO-WOR
CO -WORKERS
KERS

SECTION 11.
1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the healthcare
team in working for the patient’s best interest.

2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working

relationship with colleagues and other health care providers.
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEIV
IV
REGISTERED
REGISTEREDNUR
NURSES
SESAND
ANDCO-WOR
CO-WORKERS
KERS

SECTION 12.
REGISTERED Nurses must
a. maintain their professional role/identity while working with other members of the health team.
b. conform with group activities as those of a health team should be based on acceptable;- ethico-legal
standards.
c. contribute to the professional growth and development of other members of the health team.
d. actively participate in professional organizations.
e. not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions.
f. honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members of nursing and other professions;
refrain from making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their competence, conduct, and
procedures; or not do anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and to any member of other
professions.
g. respect the rights of their co-workers.
 ARTIC
ARTIC LEIV
LE V
REGISTERED
REGISTERED NUR
NUR SESSES,
AND SOCIETY,
CO-WORAND
KERS
ENVIRONM ENT

SECTION 13.
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.
 ARTIC
ARTIC LEIV
LE V
REGISTERED
REGISTERED NUR
NUR SESSES,
AND SOCIETY,
CO-WORAND
KERS
ENVIRONM ENT
SECTION 14.
REGISTERED Nurses must
a. be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as such, be involved in community
concerns.
b. be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the community, and take
active roles in primary health care.
c. actively participate in programs, projects, and activities that respond to the
problems of society.
d. lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct and proper
decorum.
e. project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all times.
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEVI
VI
REGISTERED
REGISTERED NUR SES ANDTH
NUR SES AND THEEPROFESSION
PROFESSION

SECTION 15.
Ethical Principles:
1. Maintainance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are
ideal.
2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional organization (PNA), and
other professional organizations of which the Registered Nurse is a member is a lofty duty.
3. Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and
growth of the profession are commendable obligations.
4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions and general
welfare of nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice and a visionary mission.
 ARTIC
ARTICLE
LEVI
VI
REGISTERED
REGISTERED NUR SES ANDTH
NUR SES AND THEEPROFESSION
PROFESSION

SECTION 16.
Registered Nurses must
a. be members of the Accredited Professional Organization (PNA).
b. strictly adhere to the nursing standards.
c. participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing profess:
d. strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions in nursing
through appropriate legislation and other means.
e. assert for the implementation of labor and work standards.
 ARTICLE
ARTICLEVII VII
ADMINISTRATIVE
ADMINISTRATIVEPENALITIE
PENALITIES,S,RE
REPE
PEALING
ALINGCCLAUSE
LAUSE, AND
, AND
EF FEC TIVITY
EF FEC TIVITY

SECTION 17.
The Certificate of Registration of Registered Nurse shall either be revoked or suspended for violation of
any provisions of this Code pursuant to Sec. 23 (f), Art. IV of R. A. No. 9173 and Sec. 23 (0, Rule 111 of
Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the IRR.

SECTION 18.
The Amended Code of Ethics promulgated pursuant to R. A. No. 877 and P.D. No. 223 is accordingly
repealed or superseded by the herein Code.

SECTION 19.
This Code of Ethics for Nurses shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its full and complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspapers of general circulation.
THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES
R E V I SE D 2 02 1
THE IC N C ODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES

• An international code of ethics for nurses was first

adopted by the International Council of Nurses (ICN)
in 1953. It has been revised and reaffirmed at various
times since, most recently with this review and revision
completed in 2021.
PURPOSE OF THE C ODE

• The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is a statement of the

ethical values, responsibilities and professional
accountabilities of nurses and nursing students that defines
and guides ethical nursing practice within the different roles
nurses assume. It is not a code of conduct but can serve as
a framework for ethical nursing practice and decision-
making to meet professional standards set by regulatory
bodies.
 PURPOSE OF THE C ODE

• The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses provides ethical guidance in

relation to nurses’ roles, duties, responsibilities, behaviours,
professional judgement and relationships with patients, other
people who are receiving nursing care or services, co-workers
and allied professionals. The Code is foundational and to be built
upon in combination with the laws, regulations and professional
standards of countries that govern nursing practice. The values
and obligations expressed in this Code apply to nurse in all
settings, roles and domains of practice.
 PREAMBLE

• From the origins of organized nursing in the mid-1800s

and recognizing nursing care is deeply rooted in the
traditions and practices of equity and inclusion and in
the appreciation of diversity, nurses have consistently
recognized four fundamental nursing responsibilities: to
promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health, and
to alleviate suffering and promote a dignified death. The
need for nursing is universal.
 PREAMBLE

• Inherent in nursing is a respect for human rights,

including cultural rights, the right to life and choice, the
right to dignity and to be treated with respect. Nursing
care is respectful of and unrestricted by considerations
of age, colour, culture, ethnicity, disability or illness,
gender, sexual orientation, nationality, politics, language,
race, religious or spiritual beliefs, legal, economic or
social status.
 PREAMBLE

• Nurses are valued and respected for their

contributions to improving the health of individuals,
families, communities and populations locally, nationally
and globally. They coordinate services with those of
other health care professionals and related groups.
Nurses demonstrate values of the profession such as
respect, justice, empathy, responsiveness, caring,
compassion, trustworthiness and integrity.
 THE IC N C ODE

• The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has four

principal elements that provide a framework for
ethical conduct: nurses and patients or other
people requiring care or services, nurses and
practice, nurses and the profession, and nurses
and global health.
1. NUR SES AND PATIENTS OR OTH ER PEOPLE
REQUIRING CARE OR SERVICES

1.1 Nurses’ primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing care and
services now or in the future, whether individuals, families, communities or populations
(hereinafter referred to as either ‘patients’ or ‘people requiring care’).

1.2 Nurses promote an environment in which the human rights, values, customs,
religious and spiritual beliefs of the individual, families and communities are
acknowledged and respected by everyone. Nurses’ rights are included under human
rights and should be upheld and protected.

1.3 Nurses ensure that the individual and family receive understandable, accurate,
sufficient and timely information in a manner appropriate to the patient’s culture,
linguistic, cognitive and physical needs, and psychological state on which to base
consent for care and related treatment.
1. NUR SES AND PATIENTS OR OTH ER PEOPLE
REQUIRING CARE OR SERVICES

1.4 Nurses hold in confidence personal information and respect the privacy,
confidentiality and interests of patients in the lawful collection, use, access,
transmission, storage and disclosure of personal information.
1.5 Nurses respect the privacy and confidentiality of colleagues and people requiring
care and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession in person and in all media,
including social media.
1.6 Nurses share with society the responsibility for initiating and supporting action
to meet the health and social needs of all people.
1.7 Nurses advocate for equity and social justice in resource allocation, access to
health care and other social and economic services.
1.8 Nurses demonstrate professional values such as respect, justice, responsiveness,
caring, compassion, empathy, trustworthiness and integrity. They support and respect
the dignity and universal rights of all people, including patients, colleagues and families.
1. NUR SES AND PATIENTS OR OTH ER PEOPLE
REQUIRING CARE OR SERVICES

1.9 Nurses facilitate a culture of safety in health care environments,

recognizing and addressing threats to people and safe care in health
practices, services and settings.
1.10 Nurses provide evidence-informed, person-centered care,
recognizing and using the values and principles of primary health care and
health promotion across the lifespan.
1.11 Nurses ensure that the use of technology and scientific advances are
compatible with the safety, dignity and rights of people. In the case of
artificial intelligence or devices, such as care robots or drones, nurses
ensure that care remains person-centered and that such devices support
and do not replace human relationships.
 2. N URSES AND PRACTICE

2.1 Nurses carry personal responsibility and accountability for ethical

nursing practice, and for maintaining competence by engaging in
continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

2.2 Nurses maintain fitness to practice so as not to compromise their

ability to provide quality, safe care.

2.3 Nurses practice within the limits of their individual competence and
regulated or authorized scope of practice and use professional judgement
when accepting and delegating responsibility.
 2. N URSES AND PRACTICE

2.4 Nurses value their own dignity, well-being and health. To achieve this requires
positive practice environments, characterized by professional recognition, education,
reflection, support structures, adequate resourcing, sound management practices and
occupational health and safety.

2.5 Nurses maintain standards of personal conduct at all times. They reflect well
on the profession and enhance its image and public confidence. In their
professional role, nurses recognize and maintain personal relationship
boundaries.

2.6 Nurses share their knowledge and expertise and provide feedback,
mentoring and supporting the professional development of student nurses,
novice nurses, colleagues and other health care providers.
 2. N URSES AND PRACTICE

2.7 Nurses are patient advocates, and they maintain a practice culture that
promotes ethical behaviour and open dialogue.

2.8 Nurses may conscientiously object to participating in particular

procedures or nursing or health-related research but must facilitate
respectful and timely action to ensure that people receive care
appropriate to their individual needs.

2.9 Nurses maintain a person’s right to give and withdraw consent to

access their personal, health and genetic information. They protect the use,
privacy and confidentiality of genetic information and human genome
technologies.
 2. N URSES AND PRACTICE

2.10 Nurses take appropriate actions to safeguard individuals, families,

communities and populations when their health is endangered by a co-
worker, any other person, policy, practice or misuse of technology.

2.11 Nurses are active participants in the promotion of patient safety.

They promote ethical conduct when errors or near misses occur, speak up
when patient safety is threatened, advocate for transparency, and work
with others to reduce the potential of errors.

2.12 Nurses are accountable for data integrity to support and facilitate
ethical standards of care.
 3. N URSES AND THE PROFESSION

3.1 Nurses assume the major leadership role in determining and

implementing evidence-informed, acceptable standards of clinical nursing
practice, management, research and education.

3.2 Nurses and nursing scholars are active in expanding research-based,

current professional knowledge that supports evidence-informed practice.

3.3 Nurses are active in developing and sustaining a core of professional

values
 3. N URSES AND THE PROFESSION

3.4 Nurses, through their professional organizations, participate in creating a

positive and constructive practice environment where practice encompasses clinical
care, education, research, management and leadership. This includes environments
which facilitate a nurse’s ability to practice to their optimal scope of practice and to
deliver safe, effective and timely health care, in working conditions which are safe as
well as socially and economically equitable for nurses.

3.5 Nurses contribute to positive and ethical organizational environments and

challenge unethical practices and settings. Nurses collaborate with nursing
colleagues, other (health) disciplines and relevant communities to engage in the
ethical creation, conduct and dissemination of peer reviewed and ethically
responsible research and practice development as they relate to patient care,
nursing and health.
 3. N URSES AND THE PROFESSION

3.6 Nurses engage in the creation, dissemination and application of

research that improves outcomes for individuals, families and
communities.

3.7 Nurses prepare for and respond to emergencies, disasters,

conflicts, epidemics, pandemics, social crises and conditions of
scarce resources. The safety of those who receive care and services
is a responsibility shared by individual nurses and the leaders of
health systems and organizations. This involves assessing risks and
developing, implementing and resourcing plans to mitigate these.
 4. N URSES AND GLOBAL HEALTH

4.1 Nurses value health care as a human right, affirming the

right to universal access to health care for all.
4.2 Nurses uphold the dignity, freedom and worth of all human
beings and oppose all forms of exploitation, such as human
trafficking and child labour.
4.3 Nurses lead or contribute to sound health policy
development.
4.4 Nurses contribute to population health and work towards
the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals(SDGs). (UN n.d.)
 4. N URSES AND GLOBAL HEALTH

4.5 Nurses recognize the significance of the social

determinants of health. They contribute to, and advocate for,
policies and programs that address them.

4.6 Nurses collaborate and practice to preserve, sustain and

protect the natural environment and are aware of the health
consequences of environmental degradation, e.g. climate
change. They advocate for initiatives that reduce
environmentally harmful practices to promote health and well-
being.
 4. N URSES AND GLOBAL HEALTH

4.7 Nurses collaborate with other health and social care

professions and the public to uphold principles of justice by
promoting responsibility in human rights, equity and fairness
and by promoting the public good and a healthy planet.

4.8 Nurses collaborate across countries to develop and

maintain global health and to ensure policies and principles for
this.
ARIGATŌ !!!
ありがとう
References
• https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/2023-06/ICN_Code-of-Ethics_EN_Web.pdf
• https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/NURSING-CodeEthics-2004-220.pdf