Four Core Values
In the course, Nursing as a Profession (NURS 1001) we learned the importance of values and ethics in nursing practice. All the values I uphold are supported by the College of Nurses of Ontario, in the Practice Standard: Code of Conduct.
Trust
Trust is critical in nursing and must be maintained. Almost everything we do requires trust; as nurses, we have to ensure that we earn the trust of fellow nurses, the public, the interprofessional team, and, above all, our patients. Trust plays a crucial role in healthcare, and is highlighted in the Code of Conduct as one of the five components of a therapeutic relationship and helps to ensure that care is patient-centred (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2024).
Accountability
It is a privilege to be able to provide care and as a nurse. We are held accountable for our actions and must be reflective of our practice (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2024). In all nursing settings, you are working with a team, typically fellow nurses and an interdisciplinary team, so we must be accountable to our team members as well. Above being accountable to ourselves, we must be accountable in our practice and to the regulatory body.
Compassion
In nursing, compassion is an important value. It is my belief that most individuals enter the profession with a drive to care for others. In nursing, we are caring for individuals, and their families when they are most vulnerable and as such, nurses must display compassion (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2024).
Curiosity
Curiosity in nursing means to me being eager to learn and problem-solve which I strongly value. A senior nurse once said to me, “Nursing is like a puzzle; we collect all the pieces and work to put them together to see the big picture.” This perspective changed my way of thinking, at work and in my studies. I always try to analyze all the information I have. Additionally, to be curious is to crave knowledge, and this encourages continuing education. Committing to continuing education ensures that our patients are receiving evidence-informed, competent, and quality care (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2024).