Karen Anne B.

Gorospe
Block 261

What Philippine Law was created to include in it the Code of Ethics of

Filipino Nurses?

Pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 877, known as the

Philippine Nursing Law, and Section 6 of P.D. No. 223, the amended
Code of Ethics for Nurses recommended and endorsed by the
Philippine Nurse Association was adopted to govern the practice of
nursing in the Philippines.

A new Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses has been promulgated

by the Board of Nursing, in coordination and in consultation with the
Accredited Professional Organization (PNA). In its formulation, the Code
of Good Governance for the Professional was adopted and integrated,
as they apply to the Nursing Profession.

After consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the

accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the Code
was adopted under Republic Act 9173 and promulgated by the Board
of Nursing under Resolution No. 220 Series of 2004 last July 14, 2004.

ARTICLE I
PREAMBLE
SECTION 1.
Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse,
believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary
responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses 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, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and
understanding of man’s cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological, and
ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and
political and socio-economic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care.
SECTION 3.
The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and
the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest
possible degree of ethical conduct.

Rights of Filipino Nurses

• Nurses have the right to practice in a manner that fulfills their obligations
to society and to those who receive nursing care.
• Nurses have the right to practice in environments that allow them to act in
accordance with professional standards and legally authorized scopes of
practice.
• Nurses have the right to a work environment that supports and facilitates
ethical practice, in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses and its
interpretative statements.
• Nurses have the right to freely and openly advocate for themselves and
their patients, without fear of retribution.
• Nurses have the right to fair compensation for their work, consistent with
their knowledge, experience, and professional responsibilities.
• Nurses have the right to a work environment that is safe for themselves
and their patients.
• Nurses have the right to negotiate the conditions of their employment,
either as individuals or collectively, in all practice settings.

Responsibilities of a Filipino nurse to another nurse

Nurses are expected to be able to get along smoothly with their

colleagues. There may be instances where a nurse may have a
different opinion, or may not like certain people. This shall be the
exception rather than the rule. A mature person easily blends in any
situation. Nurses shall adjust themselves to the organization and know
its policies and procedures. They shall establish good working
relationships with co-workers. If one have grievance this should be
brought to the attention of proper authority rather than talk about it
with others who may not be able to help.
It is important that nurses know their place in the total organization
so that they may cooperate, coordinate and maximize their work.
Loyalty and consideration of others while at work will foster these
relationships further.
Nurses who are cranky, too sensitive, who “backbite”, who do not
see any good in their colleagues, are type of nurses who will not be
happy in their work.
Situations, such as when nurses see their colleagues neglect their
duties or are incompetent shall be brought to the attention of the
immediate supervisor or appropriate authority within the agency
setting before any life could be endangered. Constructive criticism is
always welcome but not fault-finding. Fault-finders, gossipers, and
those who are fond of intrigues will surely resent it too if they become
the target of their own practices.

Responsibilities of a Filipino nurse to patients

 Registered nurses should follow these ethical principles: values,
customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be respected;
individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall
be respected; personal information acquired in the process of giving
nursing care shall be held in strict confidence. Registered nurses must
consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer
care, respect the spiritual beliefs and practices or patients regarding
diet and treatment, uphold the rights of individuals, and take into
consideration the culture and values of patients in providing nursing
care. However, in the event of conflicts, their welfare and safety must
take precedence.
The primary responsibility of the nurse to their patients is to give
him/her the kind of care his/her condition needs regardless of his/her
race, creed, color, nationality or status. In doing so, the patient’s care
shall be based on needs, the physician’s orders, and the ailment; and
shall involve the patient and/or his/her family so that he/she or nay of
the family can participate in his/her care. Nurses are advised to
become familiar with the patient’s Bill of Rights and observe its
provisions. Because nurses are given compensation for their services,
they should not accept tips or expensive gifts that may induce them to
give more care to favored patients and neglect those who cannot give.
It is advocated that they treat patients in a manner that will show
concern whether the patient is rich or poor. When a nurse is engaged
by a patient or any agency, he/she shall complete said service on the
length of time stipulated in the contact. He/she may not leave a
patient or any agency without proper permission or resignation or
without relief. A nurse can be sued for breach of contract or
abandonment of duty is he/she does. Nurses should commit
themselves to the welfare of those entrusted to their care. They should
be loyal to their sworn duty. This is termed role fidelity.