The American Nursing Association (ANA) code of ethics outlines the ethical obligations
and duties of all individuals entering the nursing profession. The ANA Code of
ethics requires that nurses adhere to accountability, autonomy, veracity, beneficence, fidelity,
and nonmaleficence principles of ethics. The ANA code of ethics has a
significant impact on the current and emerging nursing practice. This is because it serves as the
nursing profession’s non-negotiable ethical standard and reminds nurses of their commitment to
society.

Highlight the ANA code of ethics

An ethical dilemma in nursing is a situation where health care providers need to choose
from two or more morally acceptable options. One of the ethical dilemmas that I faced during
my role as an RN is trading between telling the truth to a patient about their diagnosis and being
deceptive. The patient’s family requested that the patient not be told the truth about their medical
condition or diagnosis. This was a serious dilemma because the ANA code of ethics requires me
as an RN to consider the patient’s right to know. The ethical dilemma involved
ethical principles such as beneficence and veracity.

I resolved the ethical dilemma by following the provisions of the ANA code of ethics.
For instance, the principle of beneficence requires me as a health provider to act in the patient’s
best interest. Also, the principle of veracity requires me to respect
all persons by being truthful. Therefore, I was bold enough to tell
the patient the truth about their diagnosis and medical condition. The scope of my
responsibilities for ethical care environment includes promoting health and safety, maintain
competence, preserve integrity, continue with personal and professional growth. APA