Code of Ethics and Code of Practice

[ShelleyS]

Can someone please explain to me in laymans terms what is a code of ethics and what is a code of practice so that I can relate it to a question I've got in a course that I'm doing? Just can't get my head round it!!!

[curiosity]

This is my understanding of it. A code of ethics relates to my BELIEFS about something, and is something which I base my ACTIONS on. In everyday life it isn't totally obvious that my actions are based on sound morals or ethics, as not everything requires an ethical consideration. People refer to moral dilemmas when they may look into the rights and wrongs of potential actions in a more focussed way. In these situations my belief about what is right or wrong depends on my ethical stance. Some ethical principles for example are "Do unto others as you would have done to yourself" or "do no harm" these have proper words to go with them, but you asked for laymans terms! A code of Practice refers to ACTIONS I must do or not do, or behaviours I should adopt or not within my role as whatever the code of practice is for. For example a Brownie guide "Must do their best to serve the Queen & Country" Because My ethical principal is "Do no Harm" I never baked cakes for the cake stall! If it's a health related course, ER is a great programme to watch to absorn ethical principles and codes of practice, the show is full of it. I am quite passionate about ethical principles in nursing, so if your stuck, ask another. Hope this helps.