We have now reviewed Provisions 1 through 9 of the 2025 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. Today, we complete the series with Provision 10, which focuses on nursing’s role in the global health community. This provision highlights how nurses and nursing organizations contribute to human and environmental health, well-being, and flourishing on an international scale.

10.1 Global Nursing Community

Nursing supports universal health by engaging with the global nursing workforce and fostering shared values and standards. Collaboration with organizations such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) amplifies nursing’s distinctive voice. Efforts include knowledge sharing, research collaboration, mutual exchange among educators, and addressing inequities such as coerced nurse migration. Nurses play a role in developing global strategies to support underserved areas.

10.2 Global Nursing Practice

Nurse migration brings diversity and enriches patient care, but policies must ensure that resource-rich nations do not exploit the workforce of less-resourced countries. Migration should benefit both the source and destination nations while respecting the autonomy of nurses who choose to migrate. Nurses also work internationally through WHO, NGOs, faith-based groups, and humanitarian organizations. Cultural humility, respect for local customs, and preparation for service are essential. Nurses in military and humanitarian settings face unique challenges, but must always affirm the dignity and personhood of every patient.

10.3 Nursing Vision for Global Health

Nurses contribute to a vision of global health that encompasses both human and environmental well-being. Nursing supports policy development, research, political engagement, and advocacy for issues like climate change, environmental sustainability, and health equity. Nursing aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include eradicating poverty and hunger, advancing gender equality, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, promoting sustainable energy, and protecting ecosystems. Each nurse contributes according to their skills, interests, and commitments.

10.4 Global Nursing Solidarity

Nursing organizations act in solidarity as a collective voice to challenge global threats to health and well-being, such as conflict, racism, displacement, human trafficking, and environmental harm. Nurses bring unity in diversity, representing cultures, languages, and traditions worldwide, while sharing a common concern for health. Nursing asserts caring as a political and social requirement, not just an individual or family responsibility. The collective power of nurses is essential to advancing justice and healing globally.

10.5 Global Nursing Health Diplomacy

Nursing plays a vital role in health diplomacy by shaping policies, programs, and legislation that address global health challenges. Pandemics, disasters, terrorism, and exploitation demand international cooperation where nursing knowledge informs diplomacy. Nurses advocate for policies that prioritize health over profit, address planetary health threats, and promote sustainability. By applying their expertise, nurses strengthen global health security and support initiatives that improve human and environmental well-being.

Provision 10 closes the ANA Code of Ethics by recognizing the global scope of nursing’s responsibilities. Nurses, through organizations and associations, are called to unite across borders to protect human rights, sustain the environment, and promote flourishing for all. This provision reminds us that the reach of nursing extends far beyond local settings—it is a global force for healing, advocacy, and justice.

Please share your reflections on Provision 10 in the comments—how do you see nursing’s global role influencing health, equity, and the environment in the years ahead?

Our 2025-2026 Ethics Journey

This year, we have taken a thoughtful journey through the newly released 2025 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, reflecting on each provision and considering what it means for our practice. I hope you have found it useful in your correctional nursing practice. The Code is more than a document, it is our profession’s moral compass, guiding us in every interaction, every decision, and every setting, including correctional healthcare. As we conclude this series, let’s carry forward the spirit of reflection, advocacy, and integrity, ensuring that our nursing practice continues to honor human dignity, foster justice, and promote health for all.