Code of Ethics

The professional code of ethics for Filipino nurses

provides direction for the nurse to act morally.

It strongly emphasizes the four-fold responsibility
of nurse, the universality of nursing practice, the
scope of their responsibilities to the people they
serve, to their co-workers, to society and
environment, and to their profession.

HISTORY
Prior to 1984, the code of ethics used by

Filipino nurses was the code promulgated

by the International Council of Nurses
(ICN)
In 1982 the PNA special committee
developed a C of E for Filipino nurses,
which was approved by the House of
Delegates of the PNA, but was not
implemented.

HISTORY
In 1984, the BON, PRC adopted the C of E of the

ICN through BON resolution No. 633, adding

promotion of spiritual environment as the fifthfold responsibility of the nurse. It was enforced
until 1989.
In 1989, C of E promulgated by the PNA was
approved by PRC and through Board Resolution
No. 1955.
In 2004, the BON promulgated the new C of E for
Registered Nurses through its Resolution No. 220
series of 2004.

The new Code of Ethics for RN

Article 1: Preamble

Section 1: Health is a fundamental right of

every individual. Primary responsibility to
preserve health at all cost and uphold the
principles of bioethics.

Responsibilities:
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, RN

have to gain knowledge and understanding
of mans cultural, social, spiritual,
psychological, and ecological aspects of
illness, utilizing the therapeutic process.
Section 3: The desire for the respect and
confidence of clientele, colleagues, coworkers, and the members of the
community provides the incentive to attain
and maintain the highest possible degree of
ethical conduct.

 Article 2: Nurses and People

Section 4: Ethical Principles:

Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held
by individuals are to be respected (respect)
Individual freedom to make rational and
unconstrained decisions is to be respected
(autonomy)
Personal information acquired in the
process of giving nursing care shall be held
in strict confidence (confidence/privacy)

Section 5: Guidelines
Nurses must consider the individuality and
totality of clients when administering care.
N must respect the spiritual beliefs and
practices of clients regarding diet and
treatment.
N must uphold the rights of individuals
N must make into consideration the culture
and values of clients in providing nursing
care; however, in the event of conflicts, the
clients welfare and safety must take
precedence.

Article 3: Nurses and Practice

Section 6: Ethical Principles
Human life is inviolable.
Quality and excellence in the care of the
client are the goals of the nursing practice.
Accurate documentation of actions and
outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark
of nursing accountability.

 Section 7: Guidelines
Know the definition and scope of nursing

practice (RA 9173)

Be aware of their duties and responsibilities
in the practice of their profession as defined
in PNA of 2002
Acquire and develop the necessary
competence in KSA to effectively render
appropriate nursing services through varied
learning situations

Cont
Nurse administrators are responsible in
providing favorable environment for the
growth and development of RNs
Be cognizant that professional programs for
specialty certification by the BON are
accredited through nursing specialty
certification council.
See to it that quality nursing care and
practice meet the optimum standard of
nursing practice.

Cont
Insure that modification of practice shal consider
the principles of safe nursing practice.
If in possession of authority in a work
environment, be normally and legally responsible
for devising a system of minimizing occurrences
of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice.
Ensure that patients records shall be available
only if thay are to be issued to those who are
professionally and directly involved in their care
and when they are required by law.

 Section 8: Ethical principles

RNs are the advocates of the patients; they shall

take appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and

privileges.
Section 9: Guidelines
Respect the pts Bill of Rights in the delivery of
nursing care.
Provide the patients or their families with all the
pertinent information EXCEPT those which may
be deemed harmful to their well being; and
Uphold the pts rights when conflict arises
regarding management of care.

 Section 10: Ethical principle

RNs 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.
Section 11: Guidelines
Perform their duties in conformity with
existing laws, rules and regulations,
measures and generally accepted principle
of moral conduct and proper decorum.

Cont.. (section 11) RN must

Not allow themselves to be used in
ADVERTISEMENT that should demean
the image of the profession.
Decline a gift, favor or hospitality which
might be interpreted as capitalizing on
patients.
Not demand and receive commission/fee
Avoid any abuse of privilege relationship
which exist with clients.

Article 4: Nurses and Co-workers

Section 12: Ethical principle
The nurse is in solidarity with other
members of the health care team in working
for the clients best interest.
The nurse maintains collegial and
collaborative working relationship with
colleagues and other health care providers.

 Section 13: Guidelines

N must maintain their professional role

identity while working with other members

of the health team.
Conformity with group activities as those of
a health team should be based on acceptable
ethico-legal standards.
N contribute to the professional growth and
development of other members of health
team.
Ns actively participate in professional
organization

Cont..
Nurses shall not act in any manner
prejudicial to other professionals
Nurses shall honor and safeguard the
reputation and dignity of the members of
nursing and other professions.
Nurses shall respect the rights of their coworkers.

Article 5: Nurses, Society, and Environment

Section 14: Ethical principles
Commitment to preserve life, respect
human rights and promote a healthy
environment
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 members of
society.

 Section 15: Guidelines

N must be conscious of their obligation as citizens

and as such be involved in community concerns.

N must be equipped with knowledge of health
resources within the community
N must actively participate in programs, projects
and activities that respond to the problems of
society.
N must lead their lives in conformity with the
principles of right conduct and proper decorum
N must project an image that will uplift the
nursing profession at all times.

Article 6: Nurses and the Profession

Section 16: Ethical principles
Maintain loyalty to the nursing profession
and preserve its integrity.
Uphold and support the by-laws of the
accredited professional organization
Commitment to continual learning
Contribute to the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions and general welfare of
nurses

 Section 17: Guidelines

N must be members of APO.
N must strictly adhere to the nursing

standards.
N must actively participate in the growth
and development of the nursing profession.
N must strive to secure equitable socioeconomic and work conditions in nursing
through appropriate legislation and other
means.
N must assert the implementation of labor
and work standards.

Article 7: Administrative, Penalties,

Repealing Clause and Effectivity
Section 18
The certificate of registration of the RN
shall either be revoked or suspended for
violation of any provision of this code.

THANK YOU !!