Provision 1

A fundamental principle that underlies all nursing practice is respect for the inherent dignity, worth, unique attributes, and human rights of all individuals; therefore, ethical nursing practice requires compassion for all humans as deserving of dignity and respect. Nurses maintain caring relationships and are committed to fair treatment, transparency, integrity-preserving compromise, building trust, and the best resolution of conflicts. The nurse is additionally committed to creating and sustaining an ethical environment where the nurse-patient relationship can flourish.

Nurses condemn dehumanization in all its forms while simultaneously affirming personhood and humanity through allyship and partnership. Allyship is an ethical duty that requires intentional interventions, advocacy, and support to eliminate harmful acts, words, and deeds. Allyship also requires that nurses create space to amplify voices that are not traditionally heard, recognized, or welcomed in order to build and sustain a culture that respects all persons. Nurses aim to mitigate all forms of bias and prejudice and their actual and potential effects. Nurses ought to recognize racism and other forms of bigotry, prejudicial bias, and discrimination (e.g., ableism, ageism, classism, heterosexism, sexism) as harmful assaults that negatively impact care and violate the human dignity of an individual. It is essential to address health disparities by providing culturally concordant care, fostering patient-centered communication, and engaging in allyship to improve patient outcomes. The nurse also recognizes that patient interactions have ethical implications and appreciates these moments as particularly salient times to practice everyday ethics. Nurses work collaboratively to alter systemic structures that have a negative influence on individual and community health.