Values

Accountability:

Accountability to me in nursing is very important in my practice as a nurse. “Accountability is defined as the acceptance of responsibility for honest and ethical conduct.” (Faubion). Being accountable for my actions and things I do came from my family teaching it to me as I grew up. Since the nursing scope is always changing and evolving it increases how much nurses have to be accountable in case mistakes are made. This value is important for all nurses to have while practicing as it helps nurses give good quality care towards patients and demonstrates other values such as trustworthiness and honesty. Accountability can be demonstrated in nursing practice by, “working within the Scope of Practice, following policies and procedures established, accepting feedback or instructions from colleagues or supervisors, staying up to date with nursing standards, setting goals that are professional and personal, finishing tasks before the end of shift, and providing safe, quality care to patients.” (Faubion).

Advocacy:

Advocating for patients is a valuable part of nursing. This is important for nurses to practice especially if patients aren’t able to advocate for themselves. Advocacy can be defined as, “advocates are people who speak on behalf of those whose voices aren’t heard.” (2023). Being an advocate started when I started nursing school and learning how to advocate for patients. Advocating has evolved greatly as nurses have more of a voice and there are more resources to help patients. This value is shared with most nurses that are able to speak up for patients needs. Advocating for patients is very important and can improve the nurse-patient relationship and quality of care given. “There are different types of advocacy, such as advocacy with the medical facility, legal system, and families.” (2023). This value is important to my nursing practice to make sure I am helping my patients that aren’t able to advocate for themselves.

Communication:

Communication is probably one of the most important values in nursing in my own opinion. This can help with providing safe, quality care to patients and making sure mistakes are not happening. Communication for nurses toward patients is a very crucial skill so nurses can provide therapeutic communication. “Therapeutic communication is a collection of techniques that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients.” (Street Nashua, 2019). Communication has evolved in nursing since technology has become a major part of health care. Different therapeutic techniques for nurses to use can be to be silent, accepting, giving recognition, seeking clarification, active listening, making observations, reflecting, and offering hope and humour.” (Street Nashua, 2019). Communication is a very important skill and value to have as a nurse.

Compassion:

Compassion in a nurse is valuable towards providing care to patients. “Compassion can be defined as, sympathetic pity or concern for the suffering or misfortune of others.” (Faubion, 2024). Being a nurse and being compassionate towards patients can be difficult and frustrating for nurses if things are out of their control and can make nurses feel helpless sometimes. Being a compassionate nurse can help patients that are in pain, suffering or finding out a new diagnosis. “There are multiple ways that can show compassion such as listening to patients and their family members, showing interest in the patients, expressing empathy when appropriate, acknowledging the patients feelings, educating patients on treatments, and getting to know your patients.” (Faubion, 2024). Compassion is an important value for nurses to practice to increase quality care towards patients.