PROVISION 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
1.1 Respect for Human Dignity
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 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 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 to build and sustain a culture that respects all persons. Insidious bias can be perpetuated from person to person. Nurses aim to mitigate prejudice and its actual and potential effects. The nurse recognizes that every interaction has ethical implications and appreciates these moments as particularly salient times to practice everyday ethics. Nurses work to alter systemic structures that have a negative influence on individual and community health.