In nursing, values often include compassion, empathy, integrity, respect, and a commitment to patient-centered care. These values drive nurses’ actions, ensuring they advocate for patients, provide ethical care, and build trusting relationships. For example, a nurse who values respect treats patients with dignity regardless of their background or circumstances (Fry et al., 2015).
Compassion
Compassionate care is more than empathy to me. It involves seeking to understand and ease the suffering of others. This principle drives me to pay attention to my patient’s needs and feelings on an emotional level to build a connection that goes beyond simple medical duties. A study conducted by Sinclair et al. (2017) emphasizes the importance of care in boosting satisfaction and minimizing emotional stress, making it a key factor in achieving positive health results. Research focusing on care in healthcare highlights that displaying compassion enhances communication between patients and healthcare providers and plays a role in achieving favourable outcomes for patients ( Watts et al., 2023, p. 2).
Advocacy
A dedication to patient-centred care principles is reflected in my nursing care philosophy, which places advocacy for my patients’ rights and health needs at the forefront of my profession and always makes sure they are informed and supported in decision-making processes. Patients’ interests are safeguarded via advocacy, which also improves the rapport and collaboration between patients and medical staff. Advocacy improves patient empowerment, according to research by Choi and Kim (2017); encouraging involvement is in line with my goal of establishing an equitable healthcare system. Furthermore, by addressing shortcomings and ensuring that patients’ concerns are taken into consideration in healthcare settings, Hanks (2017) contends that protective nursing advocacy might enhance outcomes.
Integrity
Honesty and ethical behaviour are fundamental in my nursing career, as they reflect my dedication to integrity and accountability in caring for patients. Adherence to standards and upholding confidentiality are aspects of demonstrating integrity in nursing practice. When confronted with challenges or difficult situations maintaining integrity by doing what is right is paramount. Integrity plays a role in building trust between patients and healthcare professionals, which fosters a respectful care environment. As highlighted by Haddard and Geiger (2020), integrity is vital for establishing credibility and dependability in nursing practice to ensure patients feel valued and respected.
Additionally, according to Lachman (2015), nurses who possess a sense of integrity are more adept at managing conflicts, powerfully advocating for their patients and maintaining the respect of those in their care. By embodying integrity, my goal is to set an example for making decisions and motivate others to value honesty and openness in the field of healthcare.
Respect for Autonomy
Valuing autonomy plays a role in providing ethical nursing care; in my opinion, I see this principle as a dedication to honouring each individual’s right to choose regarding their well-being. As per Beauchamp and Childress (2019), upholding autonomy helps align care with the patient’s beliefs, leading to enhanced satisfaction and a feeling of empowerment in the healthcare experience Additionally, according to Yeo et al (2020), showing respect for autonomy builds trust and promotes collaborative decision-making, enabling patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
compassion image retrieved from
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdesignbundles.net%2Fcollections%2Fcompassion-clipart&psig=AOvVaw1sq9kWsQbrnZfBStBfSx9S&ust=1732144058581000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCODYh5bC6YkDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
Advocacy image retrieved from
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpngtree.com%2Fso%2Fadvocacy-vector&psig=AOvVaw0xLt1Ly1PKvH5-FiDGLlSE&ust=1732144306604000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCLDW98bC6YkDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAa
Integrity Image retrieved from
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fclipart.com%2Fsearch.php%3Fkeys%3Dhonest%26tl%3Dclipart&psig=AOvVaw0LG0QMf37m3Lwet7ma3kZm&ust=1732144565015000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMCQ2MLD6YkDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
Respect for autonomy image retrieved from
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpngtree.com%2Fso%2Fnursing-patient-autonomy&psig=AOvVaw2kwYBssbaas6e4s0kVnJYm&ust=1732144771764000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCJj6-qvF6YkDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
