What documents guide a Nurse's Professional Commitment?

The Nurse's Professional Commitment is significantly guided by the Nursing's Social Policy Statement and the Code of Ethics. The Nursing's Social Policy Statement outlines the profession's responsibilities to society, emphasizing the social contract between nurses and the public. It provides a framework for understanding the role of nursing within the context of societal needs and expectations, reinforcing the commitment to protect, promote, and optimize health, as well as to alleviate suffering.

The Code of Ethics serves as a crucial component in guiding nurses regarding their ethical responsibilities and professional conduct. It includes principles that inform nurses on how to deliver care in an ethical manner, uphold patient dignity, and maintain professional integrity. These documents collectively illustrate the fundamental values and responsibilities of the nursing profession, ensuring that nurses not only understand their duties but also the ethical implications of their actions.

In contrast, while the Nursing Process and Patient Care Guidelines, Patient Care Framework and Ethical Standards, as well as Nursing Theories and Leadership Principles provide important resources and frameworks for practice, they do not encapsulate the overarching professional commitment in the same way that the Social Policy Statement and Code of Ethics do. Instead, they can be seen as tools and guidelines that support the practical application of the commitment defined by the professional statements.