Values
The following list is a set of personal values that I feel are central to nursing and presenting our best, authentic professional selves to those we care for.
Integrity is a cornerstone of nursing, because nursing is a practice based on ethics and these ethics guide our decision-making. The CNO (2023) affirms that integrity allows us to act in clients’ best interest (pp. 12-13), as being honest, transparent and ethical allows nurses to uphold morals, ethics and standards of care, even when faced with difficult decisions. When caring for patients, we must always keep in mind that our integrity allows us to keep what is right for the patient at the forefront of patient-centered care. A study of ethical awareness and academic integrity in undergraduate nursing students found that having a high ethical awareness successfully predicted having high moral sensitivity (Alnajjar, 2021). As a student nurse I believe it’s integral to promote trust and establish these health relationships and boundaries with pateints and families.
Accountability is key to establishing a trusting, nurse-client relationship. The CNO (2023) affirms that nurses are responsible for being in compliance with practice standards and it is through this that the public maintains confidence in the nursing profession (pp. 14-15). When we are accountable, we are ensuring that patients receive the best care because we are answerable for our actions. This also gives the expectation of open and honest reflection and feedback in a non-judgmental environment, allowing nurses to improve their practice. This high standard not only protects the professional standards of nursing, but most importantly protects the public from those who violate standards of care. I believe as future nurse we must always keep the rationale of who our policies most seek to protect at the forefront of our thinking.
Respect is essential to my approach to patient care. The CNO (2023) affirms that respect is demonstrated in the therapeutic nurse-client relationship by acting in the client’s best interest and respecting client decisions, while also prioritizing client health and well-being (p. 5). I believe that treating every patient with sensitivity, empathy, and compassion will give me the tools to actively listen and understand their unique perspectives. This will facilitate the most hospitable environment and therapeutic relationship for patients to communicate care choice, preferences and decisions and for me in turn to provide holistic care to the best of my ability.
Inclusivity means ensuring that everyone is included, free of discrimination and equally valued. The CNO (2023) affirms that by practicing culturally sensitive and safe care to clients’ that extends to disabilities, sexual identity, and lived experiences, nurses can advocate for equitable care (pp.6-7). It is through self-reflection and valuing the stories and feedback patients give us that we can continue to grow and expand as knowledge-seekers and caregivers. I deeply value this, and hope in my future nursing practice I am able to be knowledgeable, foster further connection and understanding and offer culturally-sensitive resilience to my patients in their times of need and appreciate and respect the knowledge they are willing to share with me.