The Nursing Code Of Ethics… Provision 1.1
Read the Code in its entirety by clicking on the picture…
Is the ANA really representative of nursing… I struggle with this often, as I often do not see my values and beliefs in the actions or lack of actions in the organization. What I do see are glimpses of possibilities. I started reading the NEW Nursing Code of Ethics and I will say I appreciate the work and thoughtfulness that went into the product. However, I would expect the institution that is now selling it should be living it!!! I don’t see that! I don’t see it in it’s leadership, I don’t see it communicated, and I don’t see it in action!!!
Although there are numerous provisions that I can bring up given the current state of the nation, I’m just going to look at the very first sub-provision of the first provision…
The ANA Code of Ethics opens with a solemn promise:
Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
Provision 1.1 RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY: “… Nurses condemn dehumanization in all its forms while simultaneously affirming personhood and humanity through allyship and partnership. Allyship is an ethical duty that requires intentional interventions, advocacy, and support to eliminate harmful acts, words, and deeds. Allyship also requires that nurses create space to amplify voices that are not traditionally heard, recognized, or welcomed in order to build and sustain a culture that respects all persons…”
Notice this provision lacks geographical boundaries and national citizenship, yet the organization we depend on to represent our voices based on the profession’s Code of Ethics is mostly silent, selling us certifications and accreditations while those most vulnerable are being arrested, murdered, starved, and treated as less than human…
Nursing’s Ethical Imperative
When governments pursue policies that harm populations through separation, restriction of asylum and migration, military engagement resulting in civilian suffering, or suppression of medical neutrality, ignoring human rights violations, actively engaging in war with those who can not defend themselves, nursing cannot stay silent.
Guided by the 2025 ANA Code of Ethics, nurses are morally and professionally obligated to:
Speak out for human dignity and justice,
Advocate for policies that protects lives and rights,
Defend the neutrality and sanctity of healthcare,
Build ethical infrastructures within institutions, and
Sustain their own well‑being to remain effective.
In doing so, nurses not only fulfill ethical obligations, they uphold nursing’s global promise: respect and dignity for all.
Call to Action
Commit to advocacy: write a letter, contact your representatives, and support related legislation.
Educate colleagues: host briefings on medical neutrality, trauma-informed care for displaced populations.
Support professional coalitions working on humanitarian nursing efforts.
Take care of yourself and your peers: Organize peer check-ins to address secondary trauma.
Nursing is a profession rooted in moral courage. Let’s act together to ensure that human rights and human lives remain central to healthcare, policy, and practice, and ensure our ANA Leadership is held accountable to these codes.
