Preamble

• The Preamble in the Code lists the four primary responsibilities of a nurse: "to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering." Nurses must have respect for human rights and cultural rights. They must respect the right to life and choice. They should treat others with respect regardless or race, age, gender, disability, illness, creed, politics, social status, nationality or sexual orientation. The Preamble describes the nurse's duty to care for the individual, the family and the community.
  
  

Duty to Patients

• The Code deals with the nurse's duty to patients. Her first priority is the patient. The nurse is to create an environment where patients feel comfortable. She is required to keep patient information confidential and provide patients with the information needed to make informed decisions. The ICN Code instructs nurses of their duty to help sustain the environment and to work cooperatively with others to meet the needs of the public.
  
  

Practice

• The Code defines the nurse's obligations to her nursing practice. She is to take personal responsibility and accountability for her actions. She must make continuous efforts to learn. She is to use her judgment in accepting or delegating responsibility. At all times, she must engage in conduct that is reflective of the standards of her profession. She has a responsibility to ensure the use of technology and other practices is compatible with the patients in her care.
  
  

Profession

• The ICN holds the nurse responsible for improving the profession by way of ongoing education, research, management and practice. He must work to increase the "core of research-based professional knowledge." Working with the ICN, the nurse is responsible for helping his healthcare organization develop and maintain "safe, equitable social and economic working conditions."
  
  

Co-workers

• The ICN Code spells out the duties of the nurse to co-workers. The nurse must establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with co-workers in nursing and in related fields. She is to protect patients, families and communities first. If a co-worker or another medical professional behaves in a way that might cause harm, she is expected to take the action necessary to prevent the harm.