What is the primary focus of the code of ethics for nurses?

The primary focus of the code of ethics for nurses encompasses advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and confidentiality. This comprehensive approach underscores the ethical obligations of nurses to their patients, the profession, and society as a whole.

Advocacy is a fundamental tenet of nursing ethics, promoting the rights and well-being of patients while ensuring their voices are heard in decisions about their care. Responsibility and accountability highlight the nurse's duty to provide competent and safe care, as well as to be answerable for their actions and decisions. Confidentiality is also crucial, ensuring that patient information is protected and shared only within appropriate bounds.

By integrating these core principles, the code of ethics guides nursing practice and fosters trust between nurses and patients, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided in the healthcare system. While aspects related to patient confidentiality, public health, safety, and quality improvement are important in nursing, they are not the sole or primary focus of the ethical framework guiding the profession. The holistic nature of ethical practice encompasses a broader scope, highlighting the interconnectedness of these concepts.