What governs the professional duties that nurses must adhere to?

The professional duties that nurses must adhere to are primarily governed by law. Legislative frameworks, such as nursing licensure laws and regulations, outline the scope of practice for nurses, including what tasks they are legally allowed to perform and ensuring patient safety. Laws are established by governmental bodies and are enforced through regulatory agencies; they provide a formal structure that holds nurses accountable for their actions in practice.

While ethics and morality also play significant roles in guiding nurses' behaviors and decisions, they often revolve around personal beliefs and professional standards rather than codified statutes. Ethics, in particular, pertains to the moral principles that govern a nurse's conduct, but these principles are often informed by legal requirements. Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of nursing practice, fostering trust between nurses and patients, but it is one element within the broader context of legal and ethical obligations. Thus, the foundation of the professional duties for nurses is firmly rooted in the laws that regulate healthcare professions.