At The Nursing Lens, we’re building a platform rooted in truth, compassion, and peer-led storytelling. This Code of Conduct and Ethics outlines how we aim to operate: with care, with integrity, and with transparency.

We welcome contributors of all backgrounds, including active, retired, and even formerly licensed nurses, because we believe everyone’s lived experience matters. And like the work we’ve done at the bedside this platform requires professionalism, trust, and grace.

1. When in Doubt, Ask

We’re human. And we’re doing something new here. So if you’re unsure about whether a piece fits, whether a statement is factual, or if something just doesn’t sit right- ask. We’ll figure it out together.

2. Our Standards

We commit to:

  • Accuracy in facts and responsible sourcing. Double-check your claims.
  • Clarity in storytelling. Write like you’re explaining something to a colleague.
  • Fairness in interpretation. Respect multiple viewpoints.
  • Transparency when errors are made. If we get something wrong, we’ll own it and fix it promptly.

3. Use of Artificial Intelligence

We embrace AI tools- grammar checkers, research assistants, even AI-assisted co-writing when they help our contributors express themselves more clearly. But we hold to this:

Tech should never replace truth.

We encourage all contributors to:

  • Run their drafts through a free AI detection tool like ZeroGPT
  • Use a grammar checker like Grammarly to tighten up the language
  • Use a plagiarism checker like PlagiarismDetector.net to protect originality

As long as the story reflects your lived truth, your unique voice, and your clinical insight, your nursing lens, we welcome it.

4. How We Show Up Here

We’re nurses. Caregivers. Writers. Humans. That means:

  • Respect others regardless of background, identity, or belief.
  • Give constructive feedback or none at all. No shaming.
  • Honor privacy of patients, colleagues, and contributors. Use de-identified stories.
  • Avoid discrimination, stereotyping, or assumptions in your writing.

Harmful or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the platform. This includes hate speech, plagiarism, or actions that violate the trust of this community.

5. Editorial Independence

The Nursing Lens may receive support from donors or organizations, but our editorial voice is independent. No funder, partner, or sponsor will dictate content. If we publish a piece involving a supporter, we’ll disclose the relationship.

6. Corrections & Updates

If a story you’ve contributed contains an error, we’ll update it clearly and transparently. We believe that acknowledging mistakes builds trust, not weakness. We’re not here to be perfect. We’re here to be honest.

7. Final Word

This is a living document, and like nursing itself, it will evolve. But our guiding principle won’t:

We tell stories that heal.

Let’s protect this space, honor each other’s voices, and keep pushing the profession- and the conversation- forward.