LibGuides: Nursing: Nursing Ethics Resources

Key Documents

Bill C-14 (medical assistance in dying)
Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Planning Guidance for the Health Sector August 2018
CNA Position Statement: The Palliative Approach to Care and the Role of the Nurse
Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (herein called the Code ) is a statement of the ethical values of nurses and of nurses’ commitments to persons with health-care needs and persons receiving care. The Code is both aspirational and regulatory. It is an aspirational document designed to inform everyone about the ethical values 1 and subsequent responsibilities and endeavours of nurses . 2 It is also a regulatory tool. Nursing in Canada is a self-regulating profession; thus, nurses are bound to a code of ethics as part of a regulatory process that serves and protects the public.
College of Nurses of Ontario - Practice Standards: Ethics
End-of-Life Law & Policy in Canada
Guidance on Nurses' Roles in Medical Assistance in Dying CNO: College of Nurses of Ontario This document provides nurses1 with guidance about their accountabilities related to medical assistance in dying.2 Nurses are accountable for complying with other College standards and guidelines as applicable. They are available at www.cno.org/standards.
International Council of Nurses: Position Statements
A Prescription for Canada: Achieving Pharmacare for All
Supervised consumption sites explained (Health Canada)

Ethics and Bioethics Journals

American Journal of Bioethics
Bioethics
BMC Medical Ethics
Canadian Journal of Bioethics
Clinical Ethics
Ethics, Medicine & Public Health
Hastings Center Report
Under "View Online," click on the "Wiley Online Library Journals" link to access articles published after 2011.
HEC Forum
Journal of Ethics
Journal of Ethics in Mental Health
Journal of Medical Ethics
Under "View Online," click on the "Health & Medical Collection" link to access articles published after 2015.
Kennedy Institute of Ethics
Nursing Ethics
Under "View Online," click on the "SAGE Nursing & Health Sciences Subject Collection" link to access articles published after 2015.
Philosophy, Ethics, & Humanities in Medicine: PEHM
Ethics and Medicine
Only have access to articles published before end of 2020.
Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics (American Society)
Only have access to articles published before end of 2017.

Video Series: Ethical Issues in Nursing

This four-part series serves as a guide to standardized codes of ethics in the nursing profession. Following a helpful introductory program, each subsequent episode examines a specific provision in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Eye-opening scenarios and detailed expert commentary are included throughout. 4-part series, 16-22 minutes each.

Introduction: Concepts, Values, and Decision Making-Ethical Issues in Nursing (22:12) Using expert interviews and illustrative scenarios, this program provides a solid introduction to the fundamental ethical terms and concepts that nursing trainees need to know. It clearly defines justice, fidelity, autonomy, moral distress, and other touchstones of ethical practice. The video also explores the vital role that personal values play in ethical situations, how to best understand and address value conflicts, the importance of a nurse’s self-regard, and key steps to sound, ethical decision-making. Viewers learn about the JCAHO mandate that health care institutions address ethical issues related to patient care. Utilizes the ethical codes of the American Nurses Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, and the International Council of Nurses. A part of the series Ethical Issues in Nursing. (22 minutes)
Respect: Dignity, Autonomy, and Relationships-Ethical Issues in Nursing (17:50) Focusing on the first provision of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, this program presents short scenarios and commentary from health care professionals to illustrate key knowledge points. Viewers are familiarized with the central concept of respect. The video explores the importance of establishing positive relationships with patients, offering practical ways that nurses can show respect and emphasize human dignity in their work. Other vital concepts include factors of diversity, a patient’s right to self-determination, and end-of-life issues. The program clearly describes the nurse’s role in supporting patient autonomy, informed consent, and the practice of extending respect beyond patients to one’s colleagues as well. A part of the series Ethical Issues in Nursing. (18 minutes)
Commitment: Patients, Professionalism, and Boundaries-Ethical Issues in Nursing (16:26) Highlighting the second provision of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, this program focuses on aspects of nursing pertaining to commitment. It emphasizes the role of the nurse as patient advocate. Through engaging on-screen scenarios and expert interviews, the video addresses the primacy of patient interests and the nurse’s role as a moral agent who will invariably make the patient’s welfare an overriding priority. Viewers also receive a thorough grounding in avoiding conflicts of interest, respecting professional boundaries, and taking the proper actions or channels when the wishes of the patient clash with others. Explores the importance of collaboration in the workplace while maintaining personal commitment and a productive, professional focus. A part of the series Ethical Issues in Nursing. (16 minutes)
Protection: Privacy, Safety, and Standards-Ethical Issues in Nursing (20:42) Exploring the third provision in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, this program looks at confidentiality standards mandated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well as the role of ethics in medical research. The video also addresses the proper methods for reporting unethical, illegal, or impaired practices. With help from illustrative scenarios and expert interviews, viewers learn about the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality and various ways that nurses can successfully advocate for their patients, including those who might participate in research. Also covered: review mechanisms and the role of an ethics committee. A part of the series Ethical Issues in Nursing. (21 minutes)