The International Council of Nurses (ICN) updates its code of ethics

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) updates its code of ethics

The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses, most recently revised in 2012, is a guide for action based on social values and needs. The Code has served as the standard for nurses worldwide since it was first adopted in 1953.

The Code is regularly reviewed and revised in response to the realities of nursing and health care in a changing society. The Code makes it clear that inherent in nursing is respect for human rights, including the right to life, to dignity and to be treated with respect.

The ICN Code of Ethics guides nurses in everyday choices and it supports their refusal to participate in activities that conflict with caring and healing.

Code is available for free in English ICN Code of Ethics and 12 languages.

[lkulmann]

This is what we learn in school and its they way it SHOULD be in reality. It isn't unfortunately and there is no any one entity to enforce the Code. I am suggesting on one of my threads that it might be a good idea to have a national union to advocate for nurses or even caregivers in general to unify and protect healthcare workers. I feel bad for the new nurses especially. They're at the mercy of some very unethical management. Then it would be nice to have a early retirement benefit package that would allow you to retire after 20~25 years of service. Get the old out and the new ones in trained and ready to take over. The seasoned nurses could work or not once they're retired. Let's face it, its kind of tough working till 60-70yrs doing what we do. Firefighters, police and many other professions have early retirement. Why not nursing?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I've had 3 RN's in their 70's working 2-3 days a week in office position "to keep their brain cells working".

Having 10 more years till retirement from FT---will probably keep on 2 days week for brain health--and to pay for meds.

[lkulmann]

Oh, I agree! I will work till I die. Once a worker bee always a worker bee :) Somehow knowing that you have fulfilled you nursing career at the required amount of time, say 20-25yrs service, you can go on working in nursing or any other job or not work at all. You always have the comfort of your early retirement pension to fall back on. We deserve it. This national union could be the agents to enforce the Code too !