Practice Tip of the Week | Reconnecting with the New Code of Ethics

By Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC 

In January, the American Nurses Association (ANA) announced the newest edition of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, marking an important milestone in supporting ethical nursing practice for today’s evolving healthcare environment. The Code of Ethics serves as a globally recognized framework that guides nurses in decision-making, behavior, and professional responsibility. It establishes shared expectations for ethical nursing care, regardless of specialty, role, or practice setting. 

In Texas, nurses must complete two hours of Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics every six years, or every third license renewal period, to stay aligned with current ethical practice standards and regulatory expectations (NPA, 2023). Updated continuing education requirements ensure nurses maintain awareness of legal responsibilities, evolving expectations, and changes to professional ethical standards. This overview highlights a couple key updates in the 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses and reflects on how the document continues to grow alongside the profession. 

Key Changes in the New Edition 

Many nurses who have reviewed the updated Code have commented not only on its content but also on the revised tone, structure, and clarity. The updates reflect a modern approach to ethics which is one centered on relationships, well-being, and shared accountability among nurses and the communities they serve. Two major changes in particular continue to spark discussion: 

1. Updated Organizational Structure Based on Relationships 

The previous version organized ethical standards into three broad categories. The 2025 edition shifts to a more relationship-centered model, creating a framework that reflects the roles nurses hold and the interconnected nature of ethical decision-making. The new structure emphasizes the following core relational areas: 

• Nurse to nurse
• Nurse to self
• Nurse to patient
• Nurse to global society
• Nurse to the profession
• Nurse to others
• Nurse to community and society

This reframing recognizes that ethics extend beyond the bedside and acknowledges nursing’s role in advocacy, leadership, community impact, and professional integrity. 

2. Introduction of the Concept of “Flourishing” 

One of the most noticeable language shifts in the 2025 edition is the repeated use of the word “flourishing.” The term appears throughout the document to describe ethical environments, professional expectations, and the responsibilities nurses hold in creating cultures where people, patients, colleagues, and themselves can thrive. 

According to Merriam-Webster (2025), flourishing means being “marked by vigorous and healthy growth.” In the Code, flourishing represents more than physical health; it encompasses psychological safety, professional fulfillment, well-being, equity, moral resilience, and belonging. 

Why the Updated Code Matters 

Understanding and applying the Code of Ethics is essential to maintaining safe, equitable, and compassionate nursing practice. While ethics are introduced in nursing education programs, the responsibility to remain engaged with ethical principles continues throughout a nurse’s career. The updated Code encourages nurses to reflect not only on clinical decisions but also on their workplace culture, personal accountability, and the collective responsibility of the profession to promote justice and health for all. 

As healthcare evolves, so must nursing ethics. The 2025 Code of Ethics challenges nurses to continue learning, reflecting, and acting in ways that advance both the profession and the well-being of society. If you would like to receive continuing nursing education specific to these revision, please visit us here to take a walk through the 2025 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.