We protect our patients, but who protects Nurses?

Who Protects Nurses? A Look at the Nurses Bill of Rights

Nurses are tireless advocates for their patients. They give up breaks to deliver life‑saving care, and they speak out—even when it means raising unpopular concerns. But while nurses protect patients, who protects them?

That’s where the Nurses Bill of Rights comes in. Below, we’ll cover what it is, how it supports you, and why it matters for your career and well‑being.

What Is the Nurses Bill of Rights?

Unlike the U.S. Bill of Rights, the Nurses Bill of Rights is not a law. Instead, it’s a framework created by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to outline professional standards and expectations. It serves as a guide for employers, policymakers, agencies, and nurses themselves.

The goal is to promote nurse wellness and professional integrity—especially in challenging situations like unsafe staffing, forced overtime, workplace violence, or injury. It also affirms nurses’ authority to practice fully within their scope without fear of retaliation.

The 8 Rights Every Nurse Should Know

The ANA emphasizes that these rights are non‑negotiable for safe, effective patient care. While not legally binding, they provide a strong foundation for advocacy.

1. The Right to Practice Fully

Nurses must be able to work at the top of their license and professional standards to meet their obligations to patients and society.

How it protects you: If you’re prevented from providing safe, ethical care, you can reference this right.

2. The Right to Ongoing Education

Nurses deserve continuous training and a voice in decisions about practice, staffing, and safety.

How it protects you: Use this to request continuing education, journal access, or time for mandatory courses.

3. The Right to Respect, Inclusion, and Equity

Workplaces should promote fairness, diversity, and actively dismantle racism.

How it protects you: If you face discrimination, cite this right when raising concerns.

4. The Right to Ethical Work Environments

Employers must support nurses in following the Code of Ethics for Nurses.

How it protects you: If you’re pressured into unsafe or unethical assignments, this right backs you up.

5. The Right to a Safe Workplace

Nurses are entitled to physical and psychological safety, plus the tools needed to do their jobs.

How it protects you: Reference this when advocating for safe staffing ratios or essential resources.

6. The Right to Advocate Without Retaliation

Nurses must be free to speak up for patients and themselves without fear of punishment.

How it protects you: If you face backlash for reporting unsafe practices, this right supports you.

7. The Right to Fair Compensation

Pay should reflect clinical expertise and market standards.

How it protects you: Use this right when negotiating wages or comparing salaries in your area.

8. The Right to Negotiate Terms and Conditions

Nurses can negotiate schedules, wages, and working conditions—and may have the right to unionize under the NLRA.

How it protects you: If discouraged from discussing or organizing around workplace terms, this right affirms your ability to do so.

Why It Matters

The Nurses Bill of Rights empowers nurses to advocate not only for patients, but also for themselves. By knowing and using these rights, nurses can push for safer workplaces, fair treatment, and professional respect—ultimately improving care for everyone.