Values
Olivia Gibson
Core Values
Four core values that guide my nursing practice are trust, competence, autonomy, and compassion. These values promote the delivery of exceptional standards of care and strengthen the nurse-patient and interdisciplinary relationships.
Trust
I believe that trust is an important component of nursing and the cornerstone of establishing strong relationships with patients, families, and colleagues. Trust creates a sense of safety and promotes a positive environment where patients feel secure placing their lives in our hands. While our colleagues depend on us to be responsible for our actions, patients trust us to act in their best interests and deliver the highest standard of care. Trust is an essential value for nurses to maintain to form meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues.
Competence
I consider competency to be a core value in the nursing profession. Nurses must possess the required knowledge, skill, and judgment when implementing nursing interventions. They are continuously adjusting to new research and must keep up with the ever-changing healthcare system. In order to give our patients the best care possible, it is our duty to integrate best practices into our treatment as it becomes available. Nursing care should be based on best practice guidelines and evidence-based research, as patients often seek our support during their most vulnerable times. They rely on our knowledge to support them during crucial times, making it essential that we demonstrate the highest level of competency in the care we provide.
Autonomy
I believe that autonomy is a crucial value to providing outstanding, high-quality care, both for my patients and in my nursing practice. Nurses are given the necessary tools and resources to operate responsibly within their scope of practice, allowing us to provide the highest standard of care. We should provide patients the freedom to make informed choices about their care without coercion, as they are their own best advocates. As nurses, it is our responsibility to encourage patients to take an active role in their own health by putting them at the center of their care to obtain the best possible results. In healthcare, autonomy plays a crucial role in promoting respect, empowerment, and decision-making.
Compassion
Compassion is a fundamental nursing value of mine that influences the care I provide and fosters meaningful connections with my patients. It is the essence of nursing that allows us to genuinely care for our patients. Compassion instills a sense of purpose, inspiring us to show empathy toward our patients and their families during difficult times. I believe that compassion is profoundly ingrained and deepened by our experiences and years of service. Compassion improves our quality of care and provides us with more meaningful connections with our patients.