Section 1: General duties

The provisions of this chapter constitute the code of ethics for nurses. They apply to all nurses registered on the roll of the Order, to all nurses performing a professional act under the conditions provided for in articles L. 4311-1 et seq. and to the student nurses referred to in article L. 4311-12. In accordance with article L. 4312-7, the Conseil national de l’ordre des infirmiers is responsible for ensuring…

All nurses, when they are entered on the roll, must affirm before the departmental council of the order that they are aware of this code of ethics and undertake under oath and in writing to comply with it.

Nurses, in the service of the individual and public health, carry out their duties with respect for human life. They respect the dignity and privacy of patients, their families and loved ones. The respect due to the individual continues to apply after death.

Nurses shall at all times respect the principles of morality, probity, loyalty and humanity essential to the practice of their profession.

All nurses are bound by professional secrecy under the conditions laid down by law. Nurses instruct their assistants about their obligations in terms of professional secrecy.

Nurses may not alienate their professional independence in any form whatsoever.

A nurse who is in the presence of a sick or injured person who is in danger, or who has been informed that a sick or injured person is in danger, provides assistance or ensures that he or she receives the necessary care.

Nurses shall assist in the action taken by the competent authorities for the protection of health and health education. A nurse who is called upon by a qualified authority either to collaborate in a rescue operation set up to respond to an emergency situation or in the event of a disaster or calamity shall respond to that call and provide assistance.

Nurses shall refrain, even outside the practice of their profession, from any act likely to bring it into disrepute. In particular, in any public communication, they shall be careful in what they say and shall only mention their membership of the profession with circumspection.