The CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2017) is a statement of the ethical values of registered nurses and nurses licensed in extended roles, such as nurse practitioners. It demonstrates nurses’ commitment to persons with health-care needs and persons receiving care.
The Code is both aspirational and regulatory:
- It is an aspirational document designed to inform everyone about the ethical values, subsequent responsibilities and endeavours of nurses.
- It is also a regulatory tool. Nursing in Canada is a self-regulating profession; thus, nurses are bound to a code of ethics as part of a regulatory process that serves and protects the public.