PROFESSIONAL VALUES AND ITS IMPORTANCE NURSING

Professional values are the guiding principles that define the behaviour of individuals belonging to a particular profession. These values serve as a set of standards that are accepted by both individuals and professional groups and are used to assess the integrity of an organization or individual. They play a vital role in reinforcing an individual's professional identity and performance. Personal values, shaped by various factors such as family, culture, environment, religion, and ethnicity, form the foundation of professional values. The acquisition of these values is a gradual and evolutionary process that takes place over an individual's lifetime.

Nursing, an esteemed profession, is deeply entrenched in professional ethics and values. These values, namely human dignity, integrity, altruism, and justice are fundamental principles of professional nursing that provide a structure for standards, professional practice, and assessment. Values hold a significant position in any profession, including nursing. The code of ethics delineates professional values, which every newly registered nurse in India is obligated to comply with. The Indian Nursing Council has formulated a code of ethics and a code of professional conduct for nurses, which must be upheld by all nurses in the country.

MEANING OF VALUES

·Professional value is a generic term for principles that are major and unique to practicing a profession.

·In simple words, they are the guiding beliefs and principles that influence our work behaviour (profession).

·Professional values refer to a set of ethical principles and standards that guide the behaviour, actions, and decision-making of individuals and organizations in a specific profession.

·Professional nursing values are defined as important professional nursing principles of human dignity, integrity, altruism, and justice that serve as a framework for standards, professional practice, and evaluation.

·your professional values are usually an extension of your personal values such as honesty, generosity and helpfulness.

·while these values may change over time and around different life events, your core beliefs should stay the same.

PROFESSIONAL NURSING VALUES

To ensure that they provide ethical and high-quality care, nurses adhere to a set of principles and standards known as nursing values. These values are shared among many nurses and nursing organizations and emphasize the importance of treating patients with respect and providing top-notch comfort, support, and treatment in all aspects of healthcare. When healthcare teams share these values, they can work together more effectively to deliver exceptional patient care. Here are some values that are particularly important to the nursing community:

1.Human dignity:

Human dignity is about treating patients with respect and kindness and considering their emotions about the situation. For example, a nurse could use gentle language and tone of voice when talking to a patient and take the time to explain the treatment plan in a way that is easy to understand. They can also acknowledge the patient's right to privacy and allow them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

2.Integrity:

Integrity in nursing means making honest and moral decisions, even when no one is watching. An example of integrity would be a nurse who reports a medication error they made, even though it may result in disciplinary action. By being honest about the mistake, they can help prevent harm to the patient and uphold the ethical standards of their profession.

3.Altruism:

Altruism is about being considerate of the well-being of patients and colleagues, without expecting anything in return. For example, a nurse may stay past their shift to help a colleague who is struggling, or advocate for a patient who is not receiving appropriate care. By showing kindness and compassion, they can help create a positive environment for everyone involved.

4.Social justice:

Social justice means understanding and upholding moral and legal healthcare standards for every patient. For example, a nurse may provide equal care and attention to all patients, regardless of their socio-economic status or cultural background. They may also advocate for patients who are not receiving adequate care, and work to eliminate barriers to healthcare access for underserved communities.

5.Diversity:

Valuing diversity means treating all patients with respect and dignity, regardless of their identity or ideals. For example, a nurse may use inclusive language and actively listen to a patient's concerns, regardless of their cultural background or sexual orientation. They may also work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for patients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

6.Ingenuity:

Ingenuity involves critical thinking and finding innovative solutions to help patients. For example, a nurse may research new treatment options or develop creative ways to help patients manage their symptoms. By staying up to date on the latest medical advancements, they can help provide the best possible care to their patients.

7.Compassion:

Compassion means treating patients with kindness and empathy and helping them feel respected during their medical care. For example, a nurse may take the time to listen to a patient's concerns and answer their questions with patience and understanding. They may also speak kindly and offer emotional support, which can help patients feel more comfortable and at ease.

8.Trustworthiness:

Trustworthiness means establishing trust with patients and colleagues by being honest and reliable. For example, a nurse may keep their promises, follow through with their commitments, and always act in the best interests of their patients. By building trust, they can create a positive relationship with patients and provide the best possible care.

9.Accountability:

Accountability means taking responsibility for one's actions and learning from mistakes. For example, a nurse may admit to an error they made and take steps to correct it, such as reporting it to their supervisor or attending additional training. By being accountable, they can help prevent similar mistakes in the future and maintain high standards of care.

10.Curiosity:

Curiosity means being open to learning and asking questions to improve one's skills and knowledge. For example, a nurse may attend conferences or take continuing education courses to stay up to date on the latest medical advancements. They may also ask questions and seek feedback from colleagues to improve their performance and provide the best possible care.

11.Autonomy:

This value refers to a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions, and nurses must respect and support those decisions. For example, a nurse may educate a patient on different treatment options and their potential risks and benefits without influencing their decision.

12.Precision:

Precision is essential for nurses as it involves providing accurate and reliable care to patients. Nurses may achieve precision by following specific protocols, keeping equipment clean, and accurately recording a patient's medical history and symptoms.

13.Empathy:

Empathy means understanding a patient's perspective and feelings, which can help nurses provide more successful treatment plans. For example, a nurse may listen to a patient's concerns and explain procedures from their point of view to put them at ease.

14.Professionalism:

Professionalism refers to a nurse's attitude and behaviour towards their patients and colleagues. Maintaining a high level of professionalism ensures that a nurse understands the importance of their job and performs their duties to the best of their abilities.

15.Loyalty:

Nurses may value loyalty to their patients and job, which may involve going above and beyond to advocate for their patients and completing all of their job duties to the best of their abilities.

16.Excellence:

The nursing community places a high value on providing excellent service to patients. Nurses may strive for excellence by continuing their education, asking colleagues for advice, and seeking opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills.

IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING VALUES

Professional nursing values are essential for nurses as they guide their behaviour and decision-making in their work with patients. Here are some of the key reasons why these values are so important:

1.Ensuring patient safety and well-being: By following nursing values such as precision and excellence, nurses can provide safe, high-quality care that meets the needs of their patients.

2.Building trust with patients: When nurses demonstrate empathy and respect for patient autonomy, they can build trust with their patients and foster positive relationships.

3.Ensuring ethical practice: Nursing values such as autonomy and advocacy help nurses uphold ethical principles and ensure that patient rights are respected.

4.Enhancing patient satisfaction: By showing empathy, building trust, and providing excellent care, nurses can improve patient satisfaction and overall healthcare outcomes.

5.Promoting a positive workplace culture: When nurses uphold professional values, they can help create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, respect, and excellence.

6.Fostering collaboration with other healthcare professionals: Nurses who adhere to professional values can work effectively with other members of the healthcare team to provide coordinated, comprehensive care.

7.Encouraging lifelong learning: The value of excellence encourages nurses to continue learning and advancing their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

8.Advancing the nursing profession: By embodying professional nursing values, nurses can help promote the nursing profession and demonstrate the importance of nursing care to society.

9.Contributing to healthcare quality improvement: By adhering to nursing values such as precision and excellence, nurses can contribute to efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient safety.

10.Maintaining professionalism: Upholding professional nursing values helps nurses maintain a high level of professionalism, which can enhance their reputation and help them advance in their careers.

Overall, professional nursing values are essential for ensuring quality, patient-centred care and promoting the nursing profession.

CONCLUSION

Professional values are essential for the nursing profession as they guide nurses in their decision-making, behaviour, and actions. Adherence to professional values, such as human dignity, integrity, altruism, and justice, is crucial for promoting ethical competencies, quality of care, and occupational satisfaction. Moreover, the use of professional values in nursing practice can help address the ethical concerns arising from various factors such as globalization, nursing shortage, new diseases, and an aging population. Nurses' awareness of their professional values and their importance can also contribute to creating an appropriate working environment that supports their ethical responsibility and commitment to providing high-quality care to their clients.