Code of Conduct for Nurses by CNO

As a nurse pursuing your nursing education in Canada, it is essential that you are aware of the ethical and professional standards adopted by your profession. The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) has established a Code of Conduct for Registered Nurses to help guide nurses’ practice to maintain public safety and support those in need of healthcare services. Hence, students currently pursuing nursing courses in Canada must consider this information to be helpful in the future.

This code encompasses five primary sections outlining the fundamental duties, responsibilities, decisions, and conduct expected from registered nurses. It provides a foundation upon which members can base their decisions on how to practice ethically with client-centered dignity, fairness, and respect toward everyone involved in caring for an individual or population seeking nursing care. In this blog, we will discuss the essential components of the Code of Conduct for Nurses by the College of Nurses of Ontario and understand how it supports ethical practices.

• Professional Responsibilities and Accountability

Every nurse has a professional responsibility to understand their scope of practice, maintain competence, and ensure the provision of safe care to their patients. The Code of Conduct requires nurses to maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of their patient’s care and always maintain confidentiality. Nurses must also take accountability for their actions and be aware of their conduct’s implications on patients and their families.

• Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Nurses must maintain professional boundaries to ensure that they do not engage in personal relationships that may compromise patient care. This means that nurses must maintain a clear separation between their personal and professional lives and avoid situations that may raise concerns or suspicion. The Code of Conduct also prohibits nurses from accepting gifts or other forms of compensation from patients or their families.

• Respectful and Culturally Sensitive Care

Respectful and culturally sensitive care is a fundamental component of nursing practice. The Code of Conduct requires nurses to provide care that respects patients' unique values, beliefs, and cultural practices. Nurses must also avoid making assumptions about their patients and be aware of their own biases and prejudices that may influence their care. The Code of Conduct prohibits nurses from discriminating against patients based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

• Conflict of Interest

Nurses must ensure that their professional judgment and conduct are not influenced by any external factors that may compromise patient care. This means that nurses must avoid situations where there is a conflict of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to their employer or supervisor. Nurses must also avoid engaging in any activities that may harm the public's best interests or bring the nursing profession into disrepute.

• Collaboration and Communication

Effective collaboration and communication are essential for providing safe and comprehensive care. The Code of Conduct requires nurses to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, respect their opinions and contributions, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. Nurses must also promptly report any concerns or errors in patient care.

Conclusion:

The Code of Conduct for Nurses by the College of Nurses of Ontario is a set of ethical and professional standards that all registered nurses and nurse practitioners must abide by. It outlines the essential components of nursing practice, including professional responsibilities and accountability, maintaining professional boundaries, providing respectful and culturally sensitive care, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promoting effective collaboration and communication. By adhering to the Code of Conduct, nurses can ensure that they provide safe, ethical, and high-quality care to their patients, maintain public trust in the nursing profession, and contribute positively to the healthcare system.