Chapter 8.

Continuing
education programs on ethical
moral practice in nursing
Ms. Donna S. Carcueva, MN, RN, USRN, LPT, RM
A. Lobbying/ advocating for ethical
issues related to healthcare
Definition:
• Lobbying – any attempt by individuals or private interests groups to
influence the decisions of government
• Advocating – to publicly support or suggest an idea, development or
way of doing something
• Nurse advocates or lobbyists to raise awareness of an issue - the
actual intent of the act is different.
• to advocate is to raise the publicized an issue within a community
such as making healthcare a topic of national debate and media
attention. nurse fight for their patients, coworkers, and employees, as
well As for themselves.
B. Code of ethics for nurses
1. International code of ethics
• The ICN code of ethics for nurses is a statement of the ethical values,
responsibilities and professional standards of nurses. It guides
everyday ethical nursing practice and can serve as the regulatory tool
to guide and define ethical nursing practice.
• Nurses have 4 fundamental responsibilities:
• to promote health
• to prevent illness
• to restore health
• to alleviate suffering.
• The need for nursing is universal.
Elements of the code
• registered nurses and people
• registered nurses and practice
• registered nurses and the profession
• registered nurses and Co workers
2. Code of ethics for Filipino nurses

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 20021: organization (Sec.9, (g), Art. III of
R.A. No. 9173, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of

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 principal basis therefore: 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 pronulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines,
regulations or measures shall be subject to approval by the Commission
(Sec. 9, Art. II ofR.A. No. 9173); and

WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at lloilo

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 Philippine
registered nurse, believing in the worth and dignity of each human
being come are recognized as the primary responsibility to preserve
health at all cost. This responsibility and compasses promotion of
health, prevention of illness, elevation of suffering, and restoration of
health. However when the foregoing are not possible, assistance
towards a peaceful death shall be his or her obligation.
Section 2.
To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain
knowledge and understanding of man's cultural, social, spiritual,
psychological, and logical aspect of illness, utilizing the therapeutic
process. Cultural diversity and political and socioeconomic status are
inherent factors to effective nursing care.

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 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 decision
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. Know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the
provisions of RA no. 9173, known as the “Philippine nursing act of
2002” and board res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the “Rules and
regulation implementing the Philippine nursing act of 2002”
b. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their
profession as 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 service
through varied learning situations.
d. If they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable
environment for the growth and development of registered nurses in
their charge.
e. Be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certification by
the BOR accredited through the nursing specialty certification
council.
f. see to it that quality nursing gear and practice meet the optimum
standard of safe nursing practice.
g. Ensure that modification of practice should 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 occurrence of
ineffective and unlawful nursing practice.
i. Ensure that patient’s records shall be available only if they are to be
issued to those who are professionally indirectly involved in the care
and when they are required by law.
Section 8. Ethical principle
Registered nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take
appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and privileges.

Guidelines to be observed:
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 patient's right when conflict arises regarding
management of their care
Section 10. Ethical principle
Registered nurses 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 to be observed:
Registered nurses must:
a. perform their professional duties in conformity with existing laws,
rules, regulation, 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
c. decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted as
capitalizing on patients.
d. Not demand and receive 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 privileged relationship which exists with
patients and of the privileged access allowed to their property,
residence or workplace.
ARTICLE IV. REGISTERED NURSES AND
COWORKERS
Section 12. Ethical principles
1. the registered nurse is in solidarity with other members of the
health care team in working for the patients best interest.
2. The registered nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working
relationship with colleagues and other healthcare providers
Section 13. Guidelines to be observed:
Registered nurses must:
a. maintain their professional role or identity while working with other
members of the health team.
b. Conform with group activities as those of a health team should be
based as acceptable, ethical 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 the other professions.
f. Honor and safeguard reputation and dignity of the members of
nursing and other professions; Refrain from making unfair and
unwarranted comments or criticism on their competence, conduct,
and procedures; Or not do anything that will bring discredit to a
colleague and to any members of other professions.
g. 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 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:
a. Be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as such, be involved
in community concerns.
b. Be equipped with knowledge and 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.
ARTICLE VI. REGISTERED NURSES IN THE
PROFESSION
Section 16. Ethical principles:
1. maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of
its integrity are ideal.
2. Compliance with the bylaws of the accredited professional
organization, and other professional organization 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 of
obligations.
4. Contribution to the improvement of socioeconomic conditions and
general welfare of nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice
and a visionary mission.
Section 17. Guidelines to be observed:
Registered nurses must:
a. be members of the accredited professional organization (PNA)
b. strictly adhered to the nursing standards.
c. Participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing
profession.
d. Strive to secure equitable socioeconomic and work condition in
racing through appropriate legislation and other means.
e. Assert for the implementation of Labor and work standards.
THANK YOU