Between mandatory and aspirational ethics in nursing codes: a case study of the Italian nursing code of conduct
Nurse
Aspirational ethics; Code of ethics; Codes of conduct; Mandatory ethics; Nurse; Professionalism
Research
RT1-120
Mandatory ethics
Nursing
Code of ethics
Codes of conduct
0302 clinical medicine
Professionalism
Aspirational ethics
0305 other medical science
DOI:
10.1186/s12912-024-01697-3
Publication Date:
2024-01-10T08:04:39Z
AUTHORS (5)
ABSTRACT
Abstract
Background
Over the years, national and international nurses’ organisations have drawn up Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics. A new differentiation has emerged over time between mandatory and aspirational approaches underlying how nurses can be supported by documents with rules to be respected (mandatory ethics) or by incentives (aspirational ethics). However, to date, no research has applied these approaches to analyse available Codes and to identify which approach are predominantly used.
Methods
In this case study, the Italian Nursing Code of Conduct (NCC), published in 2019, composed of 53 articles distributed in eight chapters, was first translated, and then analysed using a developed matrix to identify the articles that refer to mandatory or aspirational ethics. A nominal group technique was used to minimise subjectivity in the evaluation process.
Results
A total of 49 articles addressing the actions of the individual nurse were considered out of 53 composing the NNC. Articles were broken down into 97 units (from one to four for each article): 89 units (91.8%) were attributed to a unique category, while eight (8.2%) to two categories according to their meaning. A total of 38 units (39.2%) were categorised under the mandatory ethics and 58 (59.8%) under the aspirational ethics; however, one (1.0%) reflected both mandatory and aspirational ethics.
Conclusions
According to the findings, the Italian Professional Body (FNOPI) has issued a modern code for nursing professionals in which an aspirational perspective is dominant offering a good example for other nursing organisations in the process of updating their codes when aimed at embodying an aspirational ethics.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
Coming soon ....
REFERENCES (41)
CITATIONS (1)
EXTERNAL LINKS
PlumX Metrics
RECOMMENDATIONS
FAIR ASSESSMENT
Coming soon ....
JUPYTER LAB
Coming soon ....