Chapter II: Nursing ethics

Nurses are personally responsible for their decisions and the professional acts they are authorised to perform. They must not practise their profession in conditions that could compromise their independence, the quality of care or the safety of the persons under their care.

Within the framework of their own role and within the limits set by law, nurses are free to choose the professional actions and prescriptions they consider most appropriate. They must, without neglecting their duty of moral assistance, limit their professional actions and prescriptions to what is necessary for the quality and safety of care. He shall take into account the advantages, disadvantages and consequences of the various care options available.

Nurses respond, to the best of their knowledge, to all requests for prior information on the conditions for reimbursement of products and devices prescribed.

Nurses draw up a nursing care record for each patient, containing all relevant and up-to-date information relating to the patient’s care and follow-up. Nurses, whatever their mode of practice, shall ensure that the nursing care record is protected against any indiscretion. When they use computerised procedures, they take all measures within their power to ensure that these data are protected.

Nurses in charge of any coordinating or supervisory function must ensure that the actions performed by the persons whose activities they coordinate or supervise, whether nurses, care assistants, nursery nurses, medical-psychological assistants, nursing students or any other person placed under their responsibility, are carried out correctly. They are responsible for the actions they perform in collaboration with the professionals they supervise. They ensure that the people who assist them are…

Nurses respect and ensure respect for the rules of hygiene in their person, in the administration of care, in the use of equipment and in the maintenance of professional premises. They ensure that the waste resulting from their professional activities is properly managed, in accordance with regulatory procedures.

The nurse checks that the medicine, product or medical device dispensed complies with the prescription. They also check the dosage and expiry date. They follow the instructions for use for any medical devices they use.

Nurses take every precaution in their power to prevent unauthorised persons from gaining access to the medicines and products they are required to use in the course of their professional practice.

The nurse suggests consulting a doctor or any other competent professional when he or she considers it necessary.