The ANA Code of Ethics currently emphasizes the word “patient” instead of the word “client” in referring to nursing care recipients. Do you agree with this change? Why or why not?  Review the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements found in Appendix B of your Butts text. (attached)

The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements uses the term “patient” to refer to the individuals who receive nursing care. The term “client” is used in some nursing settings, particularly in community health and outpatient care. However, the ANA Code of Ethics has chosen to use the term “patient” for several reasons.

First, the term “patient” emphasizes the professional duty of nurses to prioritize the health and well-being of the individuals under their care. The term conveys the idea that the nurse-patient relationship is a therapeutic one, in which the nurse assumes a role of responsibility and accountability for the patient’s health outcomes.

Second, the term “patient” reflects the traditional role of nursing in acute care settings such as hospitals, where individuals receive care for acute illnesses or injuries. In this setting, the term “patient” accurately describes the individuals who are receiving medical and nursing care.

Third, the ANA Code of Ethics recognizes that the use of the term “client” can sometimes imply a business relationship, which could potentially undermine the therapeutic nature of the nurse-patient relationship. Using the term “patient” instead emphasizes the importance of the nursing profession’s commitment to patient-centered care and advocacy.

In conclusion, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements emphasizes the use of the term “patient” to describe individuals receiving nursing care. This reinforces that the relationship between nurse and patient is therapeutic and emphasizes nurses’ professional obligation to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their patients.