Code of Ethics for Nurses

The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses reaffirms and expands the ethical foundation of the nursing profession, now with ten provisions that illuminate the essential relationships central to nursing practice. Grounded in nursing's enduring commitment to health and social justice, the Code serves as a timeless yet dynamic foundation to nursing theory, practice, and praxis, expressing the values, virtues, ideals, and obligations that shape and guide the profession.

This revised 2025 edition retains the nine provisions from the 2015 Code, with updates to reflect the evolving needs of nursing practice. A new tenth provision has been added, focusing on global ethical issues, emphasizing nursing's commitment to health and well-being on a global scale complementing the relational structure already established:

Nurse to Patient (Provisions 1-3)
Nurse to Nurse (Provisions 4 and 6)
Nurse to Self (Provision 5)
Nurse to Profession (Provision 7)
Nurse to Others (Provision 8)
Nursing to Society and the Global Community (Provisions 9 and 10)


These relationships are inherently reciprocal, reflecting nursing's commitment to the welfare of individuals, families, communities, and the global environment. Each provision is supported by interpretive statements that provide actionable guidance, contextualize ethical challenges, and reflect the profession's relational ethos. Together, the Code's provisions embody the core values, virtues, and ideals of nursing, offering a unifying moral framework for practice in all settings, adaptable to the evolving complexities of modern healthcare.

The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses continues to uphold the profession's commitment to ethical excellence, guiding nurses in their dedication to health, humanity, and the environment. This indispensable resource empowers nurses to navigate the moral complexities of their roles while advancing nursing's transformative impact on individuals, communities, and the world.