Independence Independence is the ability to make your own choices and decisions. Independence is something that I value because it lets you be your own person and lets you be able to control what you want and what you think is right. Independence in nursing allows you to decide what you perceive as right or wrong before the influence of other people and their decisions, which I believe is crucial.
Respect Respect is understanding differences and opinions in other people. Treating someone with respect is one of the key factors of maintaining good relationships. Respecting patients and coworkers regardless of their beliefs, religions or qualities is a very big part in nursing. I value respect because value that every person should be treated with kindness and dignity.
Commitment Commitment is following through on something. It shows that you are driven and want to succeed. Being committed to your work in nursing is a key role to providing patients with excellent and safe care. I value commitment because it shows that you are committed to what you do and see it through until it is finished.
Honesty Honesty is telling the truth and being open about a situation or problem. Honesty in nursing can be difficult in some aspects but is usually more beneficial than not. I value honesty in my family members, friends and coworkers as I believe everyone has the right to know the details of the situation that they are apart of. Honesty with patients will sometimes be tough but it is their right to know and understand what is happening to them.
Re-evaluation of values - March 2015
My values since earlier this year have for the most part stayed the same. I valued independence, respect, commitment and honesty throughout my placement in a long term care centre. I did this by taking initiative if things needed to be don. For example I would make beds that had not yet been made yet in the morning once residents had all been taken down for breakfast. I respected all of the residents and staff by acknowledging them and listening to what was asked of me. I was honest in every task I preformed and would be honest when answering questions from the residents. I was very committed to my work and wanted to do the best that I was capable of.
After clinical placement in the long term care setting, I also value professionalism. I value professionalism because when you are not professional in what you do or how you take care of a resident, they will notice. It is important to be respectful and nice to residents but also while being professional as well.
Added Values - Winter 2016 Semester
Compassion Compassion is a sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Nurses use compassion throughout many aspects of their care. They provide non-judgemental and caring environments for their patients. Nurses are able to comfort and console their patients when needed and meet the needs of their patient while doing so. Compassion can be shown in many ways such as showing concern, allowing privacy when asked, encouragement and support and also by advocating for your patient. Compassion in nursing is a good value to have as it allows for you to better create a relationship with your patient and establish boundaries.
Collaboration/Teamwork Collaboration and teamwork are huge parts of nursing. Nurses consult with many different people throughout providing care such as families, co-workers, social workers, public health agencies, communities etc. This allows nurses to get second, third and even fourth opinions about their plans of care. Collaboration is also important for double-checking orders, administering medications and for clarification. Teamwork for nurses happens daily and is a main component of the work that they do.
Added Values - Winter 2017 Semester
Reliability Reliability is the ability to be relied or depended on. I believe this is a core value in nursing as patients need to know that they can trust you. As much as patients need to trust you, you co-workers also need to be able to rely and depend on you for support and assistance. Without reliability, there can be no trust and can allow for negative attitudes and situations to occur.
Positivity I believe positivity is also a core value in nursing. As I have experienced placements it is easy to see the nurses that are or have experienced burnout. It shows in their care to their patients, their attitudes and in conversations. It can bring down many other people on the unit and ultimately impact the care you provide to your patients. Having a positive attitude and treating others in a respectable, kind way can go a long way, especially in nursing.