Acknowledgements
The development of this Code of Ethics for Nurses would not have been possible without the generous contributions of all categories of regulated nurses and nursing subject matter experts from across the nation who shared their time, knowledge, and insights throughout its creation.
We extend our sincere thanks to the many nurses who participated in the national survey. Your thoughtful responses highlighted the realities and ethical challenges faced in everyday practice and helped ground this Code in the lived experiences of the profession.
We are equally grateful to the nurses who took part in numerous focus groups across the country. These in-depth conversations offered a rich understanding of ethical nursing practice across diverse roles, settings and communities, shaping the language, relevance, and resonance of the final document.
Special thanks are owed to the subject matter experts and nurses from all domains of the profession — including clinical care, education, research, administration, policy and regulation — whose guidance was instrumental throughout the development process. Your perspectives helped to ensure that the Code of Ethics reflects a broad, inclusive, and forward-thinking view of nursing ethics in Canada.
We also wish to express our deepest appreciation to Julie Gaudet, Tony Yu, Mariam Kilyana, and the rest of the team at Sense and Nous. Their expertise, thoughtful guidance, and collaborative approach in drafting and editing the Code contributed significantly to its clarity, coherence, and overall impact.
This document is a testament to the collective commitment of the nursing community to uphold ethical standards that reflect both enduring principles and the evolving realities of care. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this important work, helping to ensure that the Code remains a relevant, practical, and meaningful resource for nurses today and in the future.
Yours in nursing,
Dr. Valerie Grdisa, RN, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Nurses Association