We, the United Nurses of America, join together to speak out for the health of our patients and the rights of our sister and brother nurses. Nurses have a right to provide that care in accordance with the nursing Code of Ethics. Nurses are an essential component in America s health care system, along with doctors, medical management and payers. Nurses have a right to be included in all discussions to maximize the effectiveness of this system. The nurse is an essential member of a patient s health care team.
Nurses have the right to be included in planning, evaluating and implementing patient care.
Quality patient care must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of lower costs or higher profits. Nurses have the right to the resources and working conditions necessary to provide quality patient care, including reasonable shift assignments, adequate staffing levels, sufficient support and appropriate equipment. Medicine is a constantly changing field. Nurses have a right to the time and resources necessary to learn the latest techniques of their profession. Nurses, who are charged with providing care for their patients, must have the effective right to advocate for their patients proper treatment.