For your professional ethics edification in March

Written by Janise Randall, ACPE Certified Educator

Filed under: News

Once a month the ACPE Professional Ethics Commission (PEC) posts a couple of statements from our Code of Professional Ethics for ACPE Members.  Each posting is accompanied by a brief personal reflection from a member of the PEC discussing some ways this person lives these commitments*. March’s statements are:

2. In relation to other groups, ACPE members:
a. maintain good standing in their faith group.
b. abide by the professional practice and/or teaching standards of the state, the community, and the institution in which they are employed. If for any reason they are not free to practice or teach according to conscience, they shall notify the employer and the Executive Director of ACPE.

For March, Janise Randall, ACPE Certified Educator, for Houston Methodist, The Woodlands Hospital, comments:

The above two standards remind us of the importance of integrity and accountability regarding our faith and professional communities. As members of ACPE, we must not view ourselves as isolated individuals free from accountability but as unique individuals working within a collective community with a common purpose. Once per year, in January I submit an annual report to my endorser agent. Although the beginning of the year is a busy time it causes me to intentionally slow down and deeply reflect on the previous year. As one project bleeds into the next and accomplishments fade into the background, reflecting on the previous year has forced me to stop, breathe and simultaneously acknowledge my grief and joys. Answering questions about my daily spiritual disciplines, self-care routines, and nurturing abilities has helped me to look inward with intention. This annual report also is a way to share who I am with people I do not see daily. It gives them insight into who I am and my ministry. My annual submission and my commitment to my denomination are two ways I maintain good standing with my faith community. 

Regarding ethics code 2 (b), it is important not only to understand and abide by the professional standards but communicate when our values no longer align with the ideals of our community and institution. Our conscience is our guiding light for the things we can uphold with honesty and authenticity. Change is a consistent part of life and sometimes where we begin is not where we end.  

*Every situation is unique, and any member should not act based solely on the comments in the article but to base action on an independent review of the ethical standards applicable to his/her situation.