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Position statement. The right to accept or reject an assignment. American Nurses Association
The Pulse of the Montana State Nurses' Association
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Nurses must reject assignments that place patients or themselves in serious, immediate jeopardy. This professional obligation is rooted in ethical nursing standards and practice acts, regardless of specific legal protections.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Ethics
- Patient Safety
- Professional Responsibility
Background:
- The American Nurses Association (ANA) advocates for nurses to refuse assignments posing serious, immediate risks.
- This stance is supported even without explicit legal protections for refusal.
Framework:
- Ethical norms of the nursing profession.
- Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice.
- State nurse practice acts.
Implementation:
- Nurses have a professional obligation to safeguard clients.
- Rejection of hazardous assignments is a key component of this obligation.
Implications:
- Upholding patient safety and nurse well-being.
- Reinforcing the ethical foundation of nursing practice.
- Ensuring adherence to professional standards and legal frameworks.