Guiding Belief and Values
The following set of beliefs and values are essential to nursing and being an effective nurse in today’s dynamic world.
Mission Statement
As a nursing student, I believe that compassion, integrity, respect, and collaboration will improve my own values and enhance my patients’ experience in healthcare. I will continue to develop these qualities throughout my career to offer care that is personalized and meets each patient’s unique needs.
Compassion: Compassion plays a vital role in nursing practice. It goes beyond just performing medical tasks and treatments; it involves showing genuine concern for the well-being of patients, addressing their fears and concerns, and offering emotional support alongside physical care. In nursing, being compassionate is not just about being kind – it involves being fully present with patients and their families, respecting their dignity, and offering comfort in times of uncertainty and vulnerability. Moreover, compassion is linked to effective care. When nurses demonstrate empathy and understanding, it builds trust with patients, encouraging open communication. This trust helps ensure that patients feel safe, allowing them to share their concerns and actively participate in their care. According to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), nurses have a responsibility to uphold the public’s trust by providing competent and compassionate care to those who rely on them (CNO, 2006).
Integrity: Integrity is another core value that guides nursing practice and ensures that nurses maintain the highest ethical and professional standards. When it comes to nursing, integrity means being honest and transparent in all interactions, from communicating with patients to working alongside colleagues. Nurses must uphold the truth, even when faced with challenging situations, and make decisions that are in the best interest of the patient, always following ethical guidelines set by professional organizations. An essential component of integrity is taking responsibility for one’s conduct. Nurses must be accountable for their care and decisions, ensuring they provide the highest standard of care. When mistakes occur, it is important to acknowledge them, learn from them, and make improvements to prevent them from happening again. As stated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the 7 Ethical Principles of Nursing, nurses are accountable for their own choices and actions in the course of patient care (CNO, 2006). In nursing, integrity is more than just abiding by regulations; it’s also about continuously choosing to act morally, no matter what.
Respect: Respect is crucial in nursing, as it forms the basis of healthy and trusting relationships with patients, families, and colleagues. It involves recognizing and honoring each person’s worth, treating them with dignity, and valuing their unique perspectives. In nursing, respect means understanding that each patient is an individual with their own beliefs, preferences, and needs. The patient is an autonomous and independent being, so it is important to actively listen to what patients and families have to say, acknowledge their thoughts and decisions with an open mind, even if those choices differ from our own. Respect for colleagues fosters a positive work environment, where nurses and other healthcare professionals can work together effectively as a team.
Collaboration: A team that works together succeeds together. Collaboration is another core value in nursing that includes working together with other healthcare professionals, patients, and their families to provide the best possible care. Nursing practice requires teamwork to address the complex and diverse needs of patients. By working together with doctors, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare team members, nurses ensure that patients receive holistic care that addresses not just their physical health but also their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Effective collaboration relies on communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. By collaborating with patients and their families, nurses can better understand their needs, preferences, and values, ensuring that care plans are personalized and that patients feel supported in their healthcare journey. Furthermore, a collaborative nursing approach increases health outcomes and patient safety. Nurses can quickly identify possible issues, resolve difficulties as a team, and make decisions that are best for the patient when they work as one team.