Final answer:
The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics primarily delineates nurses' conduct and responsibilities, guiding ethical nursing practice and decision-making, and maintaining professional integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses
The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses primarily delineates nurses' conduct and responsibilities within their professional practice. It serves as a cornerstone for ethical nursing practice and guides nurses in their decision-making processes by providing a framework for evaluating and addressing ethical dilemmas.
These ethical standards are vital in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the nursing field. While the Code of Ethics can play a role in legal proceedings and inform personal ethics, its foundational purpose is to outline the responsibilities and expected behavior of nurses.
Professional organizations like the American Nurses Association and the American Sociological Association provide codes of ethics to ensure members adhere to high standards of practice.
Equally, in the fields of science and technology, organizations such as the IEEE-CS put forward codes like the Software Engineering Code of Ethics, which enforces ethical obligations upon software engineers.
These ethical guidelines are essential in fostering professionalism, ensuring accountability, and protecting the welfare of individuals and communities served by these professionals, including maintaining objectivity and integrity in research and resolving ethical conflicts with care and consideration of all involved parties.