American Nurses Association Announces Code of Ethics for Nurses Revision 2025

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has officially released the 2025 revision of the Code of Ethics for Nurses (Code), a fundamental guide for ethical practice in the nursing profession. This updated Code addresses evolving challenges in healthcare, ensuring nurses can uphold their responsibilities with clarity and integrity.

Key Updates in the 2025 Revision

The 2025 revision reflects significant changes in healthcare, technology, and ethical considerations. Notable updates include:

• A New 10th Provision Focused on Global Health
  • "Nursing, through organizations and associations, participates in the global nursing and health community to promote human and environmental health, well-being, and flourishing."
• Recognition of Structural Oppression
  • The Code now explicitly acknowledges racism as a public health crisis.
  • It addresses intersectionality among patients, peers, and healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for equity and inclusion.
• Clarification of Nurses' Duties
  • The revision removes the false parallel of duty-to-self and duty-to-others, recognizing that nurses’ well-being directly impacts patient care.

Ethical Commitment to the Public

Liz Stokes, PhD, JD, RN, Director of the ANA Center for Ethics & Human Rights, emphasized the importance of the updated Code:

"The Code is the social commitment from nurses to the public that we will uphold the ethical responsibility of our profession in pursuit of the health of our patients."

For over two decades, nursing has been ranked as the Most Honest and Ethical Profession in the U.S., reflecting the trust and integrity at the core of the profession.

A Living, Breathing Guide for Nursing Practice

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President of the ANA, reinforced the Code’s essential role:

"The Code of Ethics for Nurses is a necessary instrument for practice, policy, and standards in all facets of nursing. Whether in the boardroom or at the bedside, it guides nurses in all they do."

Continuing Education and Professional Development

To support understanding and application of the revised Code, ANA has launched peer-reviewed, Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) accredited courses. The first three provisions are now available, with additional modules to be released throughout 2025.

About the American Nurses Association

The ANA is the leading professional organization representing registered nurses across all specialties and practice settings. It is dedicated to advancing nursing through advocacy, education, and policy development to ensure the highest quality of care for patients and communities.

About the Code of Ethics for Nurses

The Code of Ethics for Nurses (Code) serves as the cornerstone of ethical practice for nurses at every level, reflecting the evolving values and principles of the nursing profession while honoring its deep ethical heritage. The Code is revised every ten years by The American Nurses Association (ANA) as mandated by the association’s Certificate of Incorporation. The 2025 Revision Panel, composed of nurses and nurse ethicists from across the country, undertook a comprehensive review of the profession's core values and ideals. This panel confronted contemporary ethical challenges, reaffirming the commitment of nurses to promote the health and well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

>>Nurses, what do you think of the revision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!