Module 3.1 - Advocacy and Nursing Leadership

CNA Code of Ethics

The code is both aspirational and regulatory:

It is an aspirational document designed to inform everyone about the ethical values, responsibilities, and endeavours of nurses.

It is also a regulatory tool. Nursing in Canada is a self-regulating profession; thus, nurses are bound to a code of ethics as part of a regulatory process that serves and protects the public.

Steps in Ethical Decision-Making

1. Identify the problem

2. Identify potential issues

3. Consult the code of ethics

4. Consider laws and regulations

5. Seek support and guidance

6. Consider consequences of different decisions

7. Choose best course of action

Nursing Sphere of Influence

Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence individual health outcomes, community well-being, and public policy.

Nursing Advocacy

A humanitarian responsibility that requires nurses to address the conditions that create health inequities, not just the health problems themselves.

The Five Spheres of Leadership Influence

1. Personal - leading oneself

2. Interpersonal - influencing relationships

3. Organizational - leading teams and systems

4. Community - partnering to address population needs

5. Society - advocating for policy and social change

Personal Leadership

Nurse leaders must prioritize:

• Self-care

• Burnout prevention

• Work-life boundaries

• Self-awareness and reflection

Questions leaders should ask:

• Am I emotionally available to lead?

• Is burnout affecting my decision-making?

• Am I practicing what I encourage to others?

Interpersonal Leadership

Effective leaders:

• Build trust through authenticity

• Communicate truthfully and respectfully

• Model professional behaviour online and offline

• Create psychologically safe environments where questions are welcomed

Organizational Leadership

Leaders support organizations by:

• Translating changing laws and regulations into practice

• Keeping teams informed during uncertainty

• Addressing concerns openly and transparently

• Creating environments where all voices are heard

• Focusing on solutions rather than blame

Leadership Strategies:

• Normalize diverse perspectives

• Foster civil discourse

• Lead with empathy

• Maintain accountability and fairness

• Model optimism and resilience

Community Leadership

Nurse leaders have a responsibility to address community health needs by:

• Supporting housing and food security initiatives

• Improving healthcare access

• Partnering with community organizations

• Engaging underrepresented populations in decision-making

• Using Community Health Needs Assessments to guide priorities

Ethical community leaders should:

• Listen to community voices

• Promote equitable resource allocation

• Prevent unintended harm

• Foster collective action and belonging

Societal Leaderhsip

Nurse leaders have a role in influencing society through:

• Public advocacy

• Policy engagement

• Public speaking

• Legislative testimony

• Running for elected office

• Promoting trust in science and evidence-based decision-making

This looks like:

• Speaking from expertise

• Using evidence to guide advocacy

• Distinguishing personal opinions from organizational positions

• Engaging respectfully in civil discourse