An Article Review on Ethical Code of Conduct
Epstein, B., Turner, M.,
(May 31, 2015) "The Nursing Code of Ethics: Its Value, Its History" OJIN: The Online Journal of
Issues in Nursing Vol. 20,
No. 2, Manuscript 4.
Summary
The modern social workers ought to exercise
their duty with integrity by integrating multiple elements in their practice
including education process accreditation, a rigorous system for certification
and licensure, and ethical codes. In the United States, the authority on human
services has offered support and guidance to social workers including nurses by
creating and implementing nationally accepted Code of Ethical Conduct (CoEC)
with interpretive statements. The article is a discussion of societal ethics
for human service professionals, especially those in the healthcare sector
(Epstein et al., 2015). It shows how professional CoEC guides the practice of
social work in distinct settings. In addition, the article discusses the modern
CoEC, the need for regular revisions and updates, and the implications for
these ethical codes to practicing human service workers.
Furthermore, the article highlights how the
field of ethics addresses the way that people should treat each other, what
they should do, and why they should act in such a manner. As members of the
society, individuals manage ethical matters on a daily basis. A civilized
society dictates that people should live by certain rules that inhibit hurting
or taking other people's belongings. Rules like these promote cohesiveness,
relations and well-being in the society. By the same token, the article reveals
that an individual's choice to pursue a career in a given field (for instance
human services) entails incorporation of virtues and obligations of a given
society. In health care profession, for example, it is a requirement for
practitioners to exercise moral conduct, confidentiality, and to remain
non-judgemental on the character of others. They are mandated to pinpoint
ethical issues as they arise in their profession as per the Code of Ethics of
social workers.
Critique
The article is useful in providing
information on Code of Ethical Conduct in healthcare. It adds to the knowledge
regarding bio-medical ethical dilemmas arising in different organizations.
Moreover, the article answers questions on health care access as a privilege or
right, ways to protect research subjects and participants from potential harm,
fair methods to distribute resources during crises, and the inappropriateness
of incorporation of punitive measures in social work (Epstein et al., 2015).
The paper impacts on my understanding on the
value of Code of Ethics in human services because it is a sociological study of
social workers and their central roles in organizations. It sheds light on
hierarchies of power for social workers, their loyalties, the system’s tendency
to be slow in embracing change, and how it impedes personal practice hence
triggering ethical dilemma. The article notes that codes of ethical conduct
arise due to clear evidence of oppressive work environments, overwhelming
expectations by the management, and moral suffering (Singh, 2011). However, it
fails to expound on how the social workers identify paths of influence and
resistance through assertiveness and identification of weaknesses and strength
to achieve their goals ethically.
Application
The information in the article is useful in
human services and social work, especially during the consideration of
effective ethical practices to be incorporated and adherence to the listed
codes. It guides the reader on the inclusive measures to be considered in the
adoption of revised ethical codes of social services. Most importantly, the
article addresses vital issues and situations that arise in the practice that
require action and effective decision making. In this case, the research hints
on various ways nurse and other social workers should face ethical dilemmas.
Further, the authors
listed useful strategies to negotiate multiple ethical complexities in the
profession for easier navigation and success in meeting corporate goals.
Besides, the article provides alternative resources to be applied in
complementing the Code of Ethical Conduct in social work and human services,
for instance, the organizational policies, rules, and regulations.
References
Epstein, B., Turner, M.,
(May 31, 2015) "The Nursing Code of Ethics: Its Value, Its History" OJIN: The Online Journal of
Issues in Nursing Vol. 20,
No. 2, Manuscript 4.
Singh, J. B. (2011).
Determinants of the effectiveness of corporate codes of ethics: An empirical
study. Journal of Business
Ethics, 101(3),
385-395.
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