Running head: STANDARDS AND ETHICS 1

American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Practice and Ethics for Nursing
Ann Puruleski
Ferris State University

STANDARDS AND ETHICS 2

Abstract
Scopes and Standards of Practice (2010) and Code of Ethics (2001) are important for nurses and
future nurses to know. These standards and ethics are important to our profession for multiple
reasons. It is important that nurses continue their education and remain competent in their
practice. By making sure that these standards and ethics are understood, it helps ensure that
quality of care and the quality of work as a nurse is not lacking. As a student, I have found that I
have met many of these standards and the ethics. I still have room to grow once I become a
nurse, and I plan on making sure I meet all of these in the future once I am a registered nurse
(RN).



STANDARDS AND ETHICS 3

American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Practice and Ethics for Nursing
The standards of practice and ethics for nursing have been put in place by the American
Nurses Association (ANA) to ensure that nurses deliver competent nursing care (ANA, 2010, p.
9). The standards are made up of 16 different components, while the code of ethics is made up
of 9 ethical standards. It is important for new nursing graduates to be competent in the care they
provide and to gain professionalism once they become a registered nurse.
Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice
Standards of Practice
Assessment. The registered nurse (RN) collects comprehensive data pertinent to
healthcare consumers health and/or situation (ANA, 2010, p. 32). It is important for nurses to
make sure they do a thorough assessment and get to know their patients. By completing an
assessment, they are able to know where the patient is physically, mentally, emotionally, and
know their religious values if it isnt already stated on the Kardex. It is important for nurses to
do an assessment since it determines if there are any changes in the patient that would raise
concerns for not only nurses, but for the doctor as well.
I have met this standard since I do assessments every time I am at clinical. I do my
assessments once I am on the unit, and I also do focused assessments half way through my shift.
An example of this was when I found that the patient had altered mental status and was not
oriented to person, place or time, but had been oriented earlier in the day. By completing an
assessment, it allowed me to listen to their heart and lung sounds, which are incredibly important
in case there are potential changes in breathing. I plan on meeting this standard in the future by
making sure I continue to do my assessments and improve my assessment skills as well.
Diagnosis. The RN goes over the patients assessment data to identify the diagnosis or
issue (ANA, 2010, p. 34). By going through a patients assessment data and diagnosis, the
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 4

nurse is able to identify risks (ANA, 2010, p. 34). I believe that I have met this standard because
I have been able to identify whether a patient is at risk for potential problems, just by doing an
assessment, and knowing what the diagnosis is. I am able to determine if patients are at risk for
impaired skin integrity by looking at the data that is available for the patient and from my
assessment.
For example, I had a patient at clinical that was feeling very weak and had numbness in
her legs which made the patient very unsteady on her feet. This patient was in the hospital for a
different diagnosis and was on the floor after having had surgery on her back. I was able to
communicate this with my staff nurse, and we decided to put this patient as a fall risk and to
make sure this patient was turned every 2 hours. Also, it is important for nurses to be able to
give patients a nursing diagnosis that goes along in accordance with the medical diagnosis. By
giving patients a nursing diagnosis, it allows for a care plan to be individualized to their needs. I
plan on meeting this standard in my future by making sure I give appropriate nursing diagnoses
and follow the appropriate nursing interventions for every individual patient I take care of.
Outcomes identification. The registered nurse identifies expected outcomes for a plan
individualized to the healthcare consumer or the situation (ANA, 2010, p. 35). By making sure
the patient has the appropriate, individualized nursing care plan, the nurse is able to identify
goals and outcomes that the nurse and patient can create. The patients should have a say in the
goals and outcomes when they talk with the nurse. The outcomes should be appropriate and can
be achieved by the patients without causing them harm or injury.
I have met this standard since I have helped patients develop goals while they were at the
hospital. For example, I was able to help set goals for an elderly patient that was in the hospital
for appendicitis to walk 5 times each day with assistance. I helped the patient to create a chart
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 5

that he kept with him at his bedside table to cross off each box so that he could keep track of how
many times he had walked up and down the hallway. This particular patient was forgetful,
which is why I created a chart for him. I plan on meeting this standard in the future as a nurse by
making sure my patients and I create achievable goals and outcomes that we can implement in
their plan of care.
Planning. Nurses develop strategies in their plan of care that is individualized for the
patient that considers the persons characteristics or situation, including but not limited to,
values, beliefs, spiritual and health practices, preferences, choices, developmental level, coping
style, culture and environment, and available technology (ANA, 2010, p. 36). It is important
that the nurse makes sure that he or she develops care plans that are personalized to each patient,
since every patient is different.
I accomplished this standard when I did my home health rotation through Mercy Hospice.
I was able to help do intakes for patients and help assist the staff nurse I was following to make
plans with the patient, and patients family. This experience was really eye-opening, and it
helped me when my grandma went onto Hospice Care.
I think I have met this standard, but in a different way. When my grandma was on
Hospice care last August, I worked with the Hospice nurse to help develop a plan for my
grandma. Since my dad and I had taken care of her for the past year, I knew what she was able
to do, and could be there every day to help her. Planning is an important standard for nurses to
be competent in, and it is important to make sure that the nurse involves the patient and the
patients family so that they become invested in the healing process. I plan on meeting this
standard as a registered nurse by being able to develop care plans on my own for each patient.
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 6

Implementation. Nurses make sure that there that the plans they create are fulfilled in a
safe, realistic, and timely manner (ANA, 2010, p. 38). The nurse communicates with the
patient and family during this standard as well (ANA, 2010). It is important for the nurse to
advocate for the patient and the patients family to get resources that they need.
I have accomplished this standard by helping a patient and her family to order a hospital
bed to have in her home for the patient to use. I was able to advocate for the patient so that she
could get the proper bed. This will enable the patient to get in and out of bed easier so that she
can get up and walk around. When the patients family approached me with their concern, I
immediately contacted my nurse who was able to make sure that they received the proper
equipment. I also have met this goal by making sure I follow the plan of care and that I follow
the medication regimen that has been prescribed by the doctor. It is important to make sure I
follow the plan of care so that the patient is able to get better and regain his or her health. I plan
on meeting this standard in the future as a nurse when I create my own nursing care plans, and
follow the nursing interventions I am able to assign. Once I am a nurse, I will better able to
achieve this standard.
Evaluation. The registered nurse evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes
(ANA, 2010, p. 45). The RN uses ongoing assessment data to revise the diagnoses, outcomes,
the plan, and the implementation as needed (ANA, 2010, p.45). By making sure we reevaluate
each patient, we are able to assign better nursing interventions and adjust our care plans
accordingly.
I have met this standard by making sure that I am always reassessing my patients
throughout my shift at clinical. I do focused assessments on my patients to evaluate to see if
there are any changes. I also collaborate with my clinical instructor and staff nurse to discuss the
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 7

patients and whether they are making improvements. I also have met this goal when I was doing
a focused assessment on a patient and noticed that her lung sounds had changed and were no
longer clear. I also had noticed this particular patient was short of breath and I immediately went
to my staff nurse so that the nurse could notify the doctor of the changes. I do think that this is
an area I could greatly improve upon since this is an important part of being a nurse. I plan on
meeting this standard better in the future as a register nurse by continuously learning and gaining
more nursing knowledge since I have not yet completed nursing school.
Standards of Professional Performance
Ethics. An RN delivers care in a manner that preserves and protects healthcare
consumer autonomy, dignity, rights, values, and beliefs (ANA, 2010, p.47). Nurses need to
make sure they deliver ethical and competent care to patients. It is important to make sure that
nurses provides information on the risks, benefits, and outcomes of healthcare regimens to
allow informed decision-making by the healthcare consumer (ANA, 2010, p.48).
I have met this standard when I am at clinical because I make sure that I do not break the
law of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or confidentiality in any
way. I also make sure that I maintain a therapeutic and professional relationship with all of my
patients. An example of when I have maintained a patients dignity was when I had a patient
who had been recently paralyzed, and I had to give the patient a bath, empty the catheter bag,
and empty the rectal tube bag. The patient stated that she was incredibly embarrassed that I had
to do this for her since a couple days ago she was completely independent. I kept reassuring the
patient that I was there to help her, and I ended up talking with the patient for over an hour. The
patient told me I was the first person who actually showed interest in her, and actually appeared
to care about how she felt about the situation. That experience truly touched me and taught me
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 8

that therapeutic communication is incredibly important as a nurse, and for the patient. I plan on
continuing to meet this standard by giving every patient quality care and developing therapeutic
relationships with all of them. I also will make sure I am competent and understand all of the
nursing standards and ethics.
Education. Nurses are continuously being educated in order to stay up to date on nursing
knowledge to maintain competence (ANA, 2010, p. 49). Education is incredibly important in
nursing. Nurses need to continually pursue education opportunities to make sure they have the
appropriate skills.
By being in nursing school, I have met this standard. I continue to learn new things
through my education in nursing school. With each new class I take, I learn more and more
about nursing. I also have learned to keep asking questions and to make sure I understand what
is being talked about. I plan on meeting this standard by continuing my education and taking
interest in things that I do not know yet, or know little about. This standard taught me that there
is always room for growth for my education.
Evidence-Based Practice and Research. The registered nurse integrates evidence and
research findings into practice (ANA, 2010, p. 51). It is important for nurses to make sure that
they are up to date with the most recent research so that they remain competent as a nurse in their
skills. It is also important for nurses to continue to seek opportunities to learn the newest
evidence-based practice guidelines and to stay up-to-date with the latest research that pertains to
the area of nursing in which they work. By remaining competent they are able to provide
patients with the safest care.
I have met this standard since I have learned evidence-based practice in my nursing
classes. I also perform these skills safely at clinical with my clinical instructor and I strive to
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 9

learn more in nursing. I plan on meeting this standard in the future as a practicing nurse by
furthering my education in the area that I plan on going into. Right now I am very interested in
working in OB or mental health. Regardless of which path I decide upon, I will make sure I
further my education in that area of nursing.
Quality of Practice. The registered nurse contributes to quality nursing practice
(ANA, 2010, p. 52). Nurses need to identify issues that could affect the quality of the care they
provide. Nurses should also help construct ways to implement quality improvement to ensure
safe and effective care is given to the patient at all times (ANA, 2010, p.53). It is also very
important that the quality of care and practice is never compromised. Making sure we maintain a
safe and professional environment can help ensure that the care we provide is ethical.
I have met this standard since I helped create a presentation for a nursing unit on how to
ensure that patients do not develop pressure ulcers. I was able to use Spectrum Healths protocol
on what to do for patients who are at risk for pressure ulcers. This demonstrates the standard of
quality of practice because I did the research to find out the protocol and interventions that
should be used on patients who are at risk. I also did an assessment of how many patients on the
unit had pressure ulcers and looked up the statistics on how often they occur. I also found out
how much money hospitals spend on patients who develop pressure ulcers. I will continue to
meet this standard by making sure I am aware of the specific protocol that is used at the
healthcare organization that I will be working for once I am an RN. I will remain competent in
the care I provide to make sure I am doing it in a safe manner.
Communication. Nurses need to be able to work as a member of a team and to
communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals (ANA, 2010). The nurse not only
needs to communicate with the healthcare professionals, but he or she must also have open
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 10

communication with the patient and the patients family (ANA, 2010). It is important to have
open communication with the patient so that the nurse can advocate for the patient if he or she
has concerns or specific needs to ensure proper healing. To have open communication, it is
important that the nurse establishes a therapeutic relationship with the patient. Nurses need to
have communication with other providers to minimize risks associated with transfers and
transition in care delivery (ANA, 2010, p. 54).
I have met this standard by making sure I tell my clinical instructor and nurse if I am
having any concerns about the patient. For example, I was doing my assessment on an elderly
patient that was newly admitted, and I found that she had bruises on her legs that were in the
shape of handprints. I reported this to my nurse and she was able to investigate this further. In
the end we found out the bruises were caused by her being picked up after having fallen and
found on the floor. The patient was also on medication that made her more susceptible to bruises
and this also contributed to her having bruises on her legs from when she had fallen. In the end,
I am glad that I was able to communicate this to my nurse so that we made sure there was not
any harm being done to the patient. I will continue to meet this standard by making sure I
communicate with my clinical instructor, staff nurse and the patient. Once I am an RN I will
continue to meet this standard by making sure I communicate with fellow nurses and doctors
involved in the patients care.
Leadership. The registered nurse demonstrates leadership in the professional practice
setting and the profession (ANA, 2010, p. 55). Nursing leaders make sure that they are
continuing their education and willing to learn new things, and to help others learn as well. It is
important that nursing leaders treat colleagues with respect, trust, and dignity (ANA, 2010, p.
55). This is important because nurses who are not treated with respect will not want to listen to
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 11

what the leader says to them. The nursing leader could be telling them the best way to do a
procedure, or educate others on the protocol for procedures, but if they are disrespectful, people
will be unwilling to listen to them.
I have not had much opportunity to meet this standard, but I have had plenty of
opportunities at clinical to help others with procedures. I plan on meeting this standard by
hopefully becoming a charge nurse and using my other degree in Health Care Systems
Administration. I am hoping to become a charge nurse within the first 4 years after graduating
and getting a certificate in the area that I plan on going into, either mental health or OB, to show
that I have the motivation and drive to be a nursing leader. By getting a certificate in the area of
nursing I want to go in, I will be more competent and confident once I am working.
Collaboration. The registered nurse collaborates with the healthcare consumer, family,
and others in the conduct of nursing practice (ANA, 2010, p. 57). By collaborating with the
patient, family, and healthcare professionals, the nurse can achieve the desired goals and
outcomes.
I have met this standard since I have been able to establish patient goals and outcomes
with the staff nurse. I helped a patient decide that she wanted to be able to walk 50 feet every
two hours to increase her mobility and to promote healing. I collaborated with physical therapy
to let them know that the patient was showing a new desire and motivation to take part in
therapy, when previously she did not want to take part in it because she was too weak. I plan on
meeting this standard in the future by always making sure I collaborate with my patients, their
families, and the healthcare professionals Ill be working alongside with. My goal is to continue
to always collaborate with my patients to make sure that we are working towards the same,
specific goals and outcomes.
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Professional Practice Evaluation. The nurse engages in self-evaluation of practice on
a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas in which professional growth would
be beneficial (ANA, 2010, p. 59). Nurses need to continually evaluate themselves to make sure
they are providing ethical care and following the organizations protocol for different skills or
procedures. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses, nurses focus on what they can work
on to improve so that the care they give can improve.
I have met this standard since I am always asking my clinical instructors questions
regarding whether I am doing something right, and I am thankful for the feedback they give me.
For example, I had a nurse assist me the first time I ever inserted a foley catheter. I was thankful
the nurse was there to help me because I wanted to make sure I did it correctly since I had only
previously inserted a catheter in skills lab. I will continue to meet this standard by doing self-
evaluations of the practice I provide, and to educate myself on the healthcare organization
policies and procedures. I will also have others such as supervisors evaluating the care I give
which will give me feedback on what I am doing right or wrong.
Resource Utilization. The registered nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan and
provide nursing services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible (ANA, 2010, p. 60).
It is also very important for nurses to delegate work to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
A nurse needs to advocate for the patient and the patients family to get them the resources or
services they need, especially if the patient is being discharged home and needs a wheeled
walker or a visiting nurse. It is important for the nurse to advocate for patients if they are in need
of resources.
I have met this standard when I talked with my patient and she needed to get a wheeled
walker once they were discharged. We were able to talk with therapy to get one ordered for her
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 13

so that the patient would have it when she was discharged. I have also met this standard since I
work closely with the nurse techs and discuss with them what Ill be doing for the day. For
example, when I had four patients, I was able to utilize the nurse tech to do baths in the morning
so that I could get my assessments done and medications passed. I plan on continuing to meet
this standard by making sure I utilize the proper resources I need at clinical to help a patient or to
advocate for them.
Environmental Health. The registered nurse practices in an environmentally safe and
healthy manner (ANA, 2010, p. 61). The nurse is able to analyze the environment to make sure
that it promotes health and healing, while reducing health risks (ANA, 2010). It is important to
make sure that the environment is safe for the nurse to practice in. Having a safe environment to
practice in reduces environmental health risks for workers and healthcare consumers (ANA,
2010, p. 61). Having a safe environment allows nurses to feel comfortable and not have to worry
about getting hurt, or the patient getting hurt. This standard also addresses the need for making
sure that products are being appropriately used in health care (ANA, 2010).
I have met this standard by making sure that I use the appropriate products when I
perform procedures, or when I am entering an isolation room. I wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment to make sure I do not expose myself to the patients illness, or carry that
illness to another patient on my clothing. For example, when I had a patient who had meningitis,
I made sure to wear the mask so that I would not be exposed to droplets that could have possibly
been in the air. I want to make sure that I am safe, and that I am following the isolation
requirements so that I do not put myself at risk, and I do not put my other patients at risk. I plan
on continuing to meet this standard in the future by not putting myself at risk of acquiring an
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 14

infection from an isolation patient, and abiding by protocol to make sure I do not put other
patients at risk for infection. I plan on doing this every time I am in the hospital.
Code of Ethics
Provision One
The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and
uniqueness of every individual (ANA, 2001, p. 3). Nurses must make sure that they do not
judge a patient and are still respectful. Maintaining a patients dignity is important for the
patient to feel comfortable and helps create the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and
the patient. Nurses need to make sure that they provide quality care regardless of the patients
lifestyle or religious beliefs. The nurse needs to be respectful to not only the patient, but to the
family and other healthcare professionals as well.
I meet this standard every time I am at clinical. I do not let the differences between my
patients and me get in the way of the care I give. I respect all of my patients, even if they have
different values than me. I would never let cultural, religious, personal values have an effect on
the care that I provide for my patients. I plan on meeting this every time I am at the hospital and
I can make sure I treat every patient respectfully.
Provision Two
The nurses primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group,
or community (ANA, 2001, p. 5). The nurse needs to make sure the patient has the opportunity
to participate in planning care and collaborates with everyone involved to make sure that
everyone is participating. Collaboration requires mutual trust, recognition, and respect among
the health care team (ANA, 2001, p. 5).
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 15

By collaborating with other professionals, I make sure that everyone is aware of the plan
of care. I have met this part of the standard since I collaborate with nurses, nurse techs,
respiratory therapy and other departments while I am at clinical. In order for nurses to provide
quality care it is important that they advocate for their patient and maintain professional
boundaries. I have met this standard since I make sure my relationship with my patients is
therapeutic and that it is focused on their care. For example, I had a patient who really liked
having me help her and was very comfortable with me. The patient kept asking me personal
questions that did not have to do with school or nursing, and I had to respectfully tell her that I
could not share that information with her. I did not want to come across as rude, but that patient
understood once I explained to her that I could not tell her my last name or where I lived. I made
sure that the relationship remained professional and that I was focused on the patient, not myself.
I plan on meeting this code of ethic by making sure I act professionally and focus on the patient
while I am at clinical and when I become an RN.
Provision Three
The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of
the patient (ANA, 2001, p. 6). Healthcare professionals are bound by law to not give out any
personal or private information; everything is supposed to remain confidential to protect the
patient. Everyone has the right to privacy and confidentiality when they are in the hospital. It is
important for nurses to maintain this right so that the patient does not feel violated in anyway.
This standard also discusses the importance of making sure the nurse takes the appropriate
regarding any instances of incompetent, unethical, illegal, or impaired practice by any member of
the health care team (ANA, 2001, p. 7).
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 16

I have met this standard by making sure I protect the patients right and maintain
confidentiality at all times. For example, when a person approached me and asked if a specific
patient was on the floor I had clinical on, I had to respond by saying that I was not allowed to
disclose that information, but that the person could contact the patients family if they were
concerned. I did this because I did not want to violate HIPAA at any point. I want to continue to
meet this ethical standard by making sure I never break HIPAA and that I will always make sure
my patients are always safe and their well-being is never put at risk. I also will make sure I
continue my education so that I remain competent as a nurse.
Provision Four
A nurse is considered responsible for his or her nursing practice and is able to delegate
tasks appropriately to other healthcare workers (ANA, 2001). A nurse has to be able to take
responsibility for the care and the quality of the care provides to patients. If a nurse were to do
something improperly, he or she needs to be able to take accountability for his or her actions
(ANA, 2001).
I have met this standard since I hold myself responsible and accountable for all my
nursing actions while I am at clinical. If I were to do something wrong, I want another nurse to
tell me or inform me so that I never make that mistake again. If I do something wrong, it is no
ones fault but my own and I hold myself accountable. I have also met this standard by
delegating nursing tasks to my nurse assistant when I have had 4 patients. I want to continue to
meet this ethical standard in my nursing practice by always making sure I am following the
healthcare organizations protocol and maintaining open communication with everyone I work
with so that I am approachable by others. I also will make sure I delegate tasks to people who
are capable of performing them, and have the proper education for specific tasks.
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 17

Provision Five
Nurses must have respect for others, no matter what the others beliefs or morals (ANA,
2001). Nurses also need to aspire for professional growth and to maintain competency since it
affects a persons professional status and self-respect (ANA, 2001). If a nurse lacks self-respect
or self-esteem it can affect the quality of care he or she provides, and patients could suffer
because of that. It is important to continue to grow as a professional so that they can stay up to
date on nursing knowledge and practice. A nurse must also maintain his or her integrity by not
falsifying records and not violating ethics (ANA, 2001).
I have met this ethical standard by always respecting others. I respect other nurses and
my fellow nursing students. I do not jeopardize the care I give, and I continue to pursue my
education. I plan on furthering my education after completing my bachelors degree by pursuing
a masters degree in nursing. I have not completely decided what I want to pursue, but I am
leaning towards psychology. I want to have this completed within the next five years.
Provision Six
The nurse helps create and improve a healthcare environment (ANA, 2001). It is
important that the nurse helps to establish a positive environment because it can affect a persons
morals and virtues (ANA, 2001). A persons working environment can affect him or her in
positive and negative ways. If someone feels that it is unsafe, or a hostile environment, he or she
will not work very well. If the environment is stressful, it could influence his or her quality of
care. Nurses need to take responsibility to help maintain a healthy working environment and to
help new nurses adjust to the environment.
I have met this standard by making sure I respect nurses and my classmates while at
clinical so that I do not create a hostile environment for anyone. I make sure that I pick up after
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 18

myself so that areas I work in do not become messy. I plan on meeting this ethical standard once
I become a registered nurse and start working. I want to make sure I contribute and help create
and maintain a safe working environment that promotes healing.
Provision Seven
The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to
practice, education, administration, and knowledge development (ANA, 2001, p. 12). Nurses
should strive to advance nursing practice by using the professional standards in their clinical care
and mentoring new nurses. Nurses can also serve on committees at their organization to help
improve nursing (ANA, 2001). By serving on committees, nurses are actively involved and
striving to make positive changes. Nurses can also help advance the profession by being a nurse
educator. Nurse educators must also ensure that only those students who possess the
knowledge, skills, and competencies that are essential to nursing graduate from their nursing
programs (ANA, 2001, p. 12).
I have met this goal since I am in nursing school and pursuing my education. I also have
been able to listen to meetings that occur at hospitals to give me a better understanding of how
the meetings are run. However, I know that I do not completely meet this standard, so I plan on
meeting this standard in more ways once I am working as a nurse. In the next year I plan on
getting a job as a nurse, and I plan on joining a committee at my organization. I think it is
important to make sure I take responsibility as a nurse and help advance the nursing profession.
Provision Eight
The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting
community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs (ANA, 2001, p.12). Nurses
need to make sure that they are aware of health care issues that could be occurring in their
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 19

community so that they can broaden their awareness. Since healthcare problems occur in every
community and across the nation, it is important for nurses to have the initiative to collaborate
with others to improve the health issue that is going on around them. The nurse assists in
efforts to educate the public, facilitates informed choice, identifies conditions and circumstances
that contribute to illness, injury and disease (ANA, 2001, p. 13).
I have met this ethical standard since I helped educate people during my public health
rotation. I was able to educate patients about the importance of making sure that they finish their
prescription medications, such as antibiotics. Patients had a great response to me talking about
how it is important to finish antibiotics even if they feel better so that the bacterium is not still
present so they do not become re-infected. I have also met this code of ethics since I educated
older adults about the importance of maintaining a well-balanced diet and to stay active as they
age.
Provision Nine
The ninth code of ethics states that nurses are responsible for, articulation nursing
values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social
policy (ANA, 2001, p.13).
This code of ethics I have not yet met, but I plan on meeting it in the future once I have
graduated and have become a registered nurse. I plan on meeting this code of ethics by joining a
professional organization that is nursing related. I also plan on making sure I evaluate and
reflect on myself to see where I can improve as a nurse, and how I can advance more as a
professional so I can help advance the nursing profession. I also will be able to learn what areas
need to be changed.
Conclusion
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 20

As a future nurse it is incredibly important to make sure I understand every standard and
code of ethics that need to be followed. I plan on making sure I uphold these standards and
ethics I staying up-to-date and competent in my nursing career. It is important for me as a future
nurse to make sure my quality of care is never compromised, so I need to continue to be
educated throughout my future career. I plan on advocating for my patient and my community.
I also want to go into an area of nursing that is interesting and exciting for me so that I can make
sure I am able to put a lot of time and devotion into.

STANDARDS AND ETHICS 21

References
American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of ethics for nurses. Silver Spring, MD: Nursebooks.org.
American Nurses Association. (2010). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington,
DC: Nursebooks.org.

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than 50 spaces total? Is the title of the Running head in all caps? Is it 1/2 from the top of
your title page? (Should be a few words from the title of your paper). [p. 229 and example
on p. 40] look for comment about running head on second page
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3. Abstract: Make sure your abstract begins on a new page. Is there a label of Abstract and
it is centered at the top of the page? Is it a single paragraph? Is the paragraph flush with the
margin without an indentation? Is your abstract a summary of your entire paper?
Remember it is not an introduction to your paper. Someone should be able to read the
abstract and know what to find in your paper. [p. 25 and example on p. 41]
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4. Introduction: Did you repeat the title of your paper on your first page of content? Do not
use Introduction as a heading following the title. The first paragraph clearly implies the
introduction and no heading is needed. [p. 27 and example on p. 42]
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5. Margins: Did you leave 1 on all sides? [p. 229]
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6. Double-spacing: Did you double-space throughout? No triple or extra spaces between
sections or paragraphs except in special circumstances. This includes the reference page. [p.
229 and example on p. 40-59]
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7. Line Length and Alignment: Did you use the flush-left style, and leave the right margin
uneven, or ragged? [p. 229]
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8. Paragraphs and Indentation: Did you indent the first line of every paragraph? See P.
229 for exceptions.
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9. Spacing After Punctuation Marks: Did you space once at the end of separate parts of a
reference and initials in a persons name? Do not space after periods in abbreviations.
Space twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. [p. 87-88] Need to put two
spaces after each sentence
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10. Typeface: Did you use Times New Roman 12-point font? [p. 228]
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11. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106-
111]. Remember, no abbreviations in the title of the paper.
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12. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must
be cited. You may be citing many timesthis is what you are supposed to be doing! [p.
170]
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13. Direct Quote: A direct quote is exact words taken from another. An example with
citation would look like this:
The variables that impact the etiology and the human response to various disease states
will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007, p. 1). I labeled a couple of these in your paper but
make sure to check the other citations to make sure you dont need quotations.
Please note where the quotation marks are placed, where the final period is placed, no first
name of author, and inclusion of page number, etc. Do all direct quotes look like this? [p.
170-172]
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14. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40
words or longer? [p. 170-172]
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 23

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15. Paraphrase: A paraphrase citation would look like this:
Patients respond to illnesses in various ways depending on a number of factors that will be
explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007).
It may also look like this: Bell-Scriber (2007) found that
[p. 171 and multiple examples in text on p. 40-59]
For multiple references within the same paragraph see page 174 re: use of year.
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16. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels? [p. 62-63].
Check the headings under code of ethicsI think they may need to be level 2
headings and not level 3
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17. General Guidelines for References:
A. Did you start the References on a new page? [p. 37]
B. Did you cut and paste references on your reference page? If so, check to make
sure they are in correct APA format. Often they are not and must be adapted. Make
sure all fonts are the same.
C. Is your reference list double spaced with hanging indents? [p. 37]
D. Formatting of different types of titles: see page 185.
E. Check formatting of all types of authors and sources before submitting your
paper.

PROOFREAD FOR GRAMMAR, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, & STRUCTURE
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18. Did you follow the assignment rubric? Did you make headings that address each major
section? (Required to point out where you addressed each section.)Please note comments in
paper
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19. Watch for run-on or long, cumbersome sentences. Read it out loud without pausing
unless punctuation is present. If you become breathless or it doesnt make sense, you need
to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this? Check
where I put sentence structure; some of the sentences were wordy and used a particular
word too often
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20. Wordiness: check for the words that, and the. If not necessary, did you omit?
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21. Conversational tone: Dont write as if you are talking to someone in a casual way. For
example, Well so I couldnt believe nurses did such things! or I was in total shock over
that. Did you stay in a formal/professional tone?
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22. Avoid contractions. i.e. dont, cant, wont, etc. Did you spell these out? Highlighted in
yellow in paper if used contractions
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23. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin?
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24. Do not use etc. or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for
improper use of etc. & i.e.?
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25. Stay in subject agreement. When referring to 1 nurse, dont refer to the nurse as they
or them. Also, in referring to a human, dont refer to the person as that, but rather
who. For example: The nurse that gave the injection. Should be The nurse who gave
the injection Did you check for subject agreement?
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26. Dont refer to us, we, our, within the paperthis is not about you and me. Be
clear in identifying. For example dont say Our profession uses empirical data to support
. . Instead say The nursing profession uses empirical data..
27. Did you check your sentences to make sure you did not end them with a preposition?
For example, I witnessed activities that I was not happy with. Instead, I witnessed
STANDARDS AND ETHICS 24

activities with which I was not happy.
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28. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck?
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29. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing? Check
areas with comments for confusing sentences
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30. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper?
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31. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences?
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32. Did you check apostrophes for correct possessive use. Dont use apostrophes unless it is
showing possession and then be sure it is in the correct location. The exception is with the
word it. Its = it is. Its is possessive.
Signing below indicates you have proofread your paper for the errors in the checklist:

Ann Puruleski DATE: March 5, 2014

A peer needs to proofread your paper checking for errors in the listed areas and sign below:

_______Cheryl Hamilton__________________DATE:____3/2/14___________