Sample Solution

Professionalism and ethical behavior are essential components of any licensed profession such as nursing. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Nursing, professionalism encompasses a set of qualities that focus on knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required for competent practice which includes being honest and accountable; treating patients with respect; acting in ways that uphold public trust; maintaining appropriate boundaries in relationships; keeping up-to-date with current research, trends and technical advances related to nursing care; adhering to established standards when it comes to patient safety and confidentiality (American Nurses Association 2015). In terms of ethics, nurses must act according to their own moral judgment based on principles such as autonomy – respecting the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives without interference from external forces (Kearney & Mason 1994); beneficence – performing acts that benefit or promote well-being without causing harm or undue risk (Urichuk et al., 2016); justice – behaving equitably by providing fair treatment regardless of race, gender etc. (Trevino & Nelson 2010); nonmaleficence – avoiding actions which may cause suffering or harm either directly or indirectly through willful negligence(Hardin 2011).

For example, a nurse working in a hospital may be presented with a situation where they need to decide whether it is best for an elderly patient who is suffering from multiple chronic conditions should stay in hospital for further treatment or be discharged home with additional support. While making this decision they will have taken into account both professional considerations such as cost effectiveness versus long term quality of life benefits while also considering ethical points like individual autonomy by seeking consent from the patient before taking action either way. By following all relevant guidelines outlined within ANA code nurses can guarantee best outcomes for everyone concerned.

In conclusion, professionalism and ethical behavior go hand in hand when it comes to being part of any licensed profession like nursing. The code laid out by ANA provides healthcare professionals with vital guidance regarding what type conduct is expected from them at all times while still allowing enough flexibility so that each individual practitioner can use their own discretion depending upon circumstances surrounding particular case scenarios.