Personal Values and Beliefs in Nursing

Personal Values and Beliefs in Nursing
Introduction
Nursing is a profession that requires individuals to have a strong foundation of personal values and beliefs. These values guide nurses in their interactions with patients, families, and colleagues, and influence the care they provide. This essay will explore my personal core values, the factors that influenced their development, and how they align with the nursing profession’s metaparadigm, NLN core values, and ANA Code of Ethics. Additionally, it will discuss the roles of the RN and how these values and beliefs will be integrated into my nursing practice.

Personal Core Values
Compassion: Compassion is the ability to understand and empathize with others, showing kindness and concern. It means providing care with genuine warmth and understanding. My experiences as a patient and witnessing the compassionate care provided by nurses have influenced the development of this core value.
Respect: Respect involves recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or condition. It means treating others with courtesy, listening attentively, and valuing their perspectives. My upbringing in a family that emphasized respect for others has played a significant role in shaping this core value.
Integrity: Integrity is the adherence to moral and ethical principles, being honest, and maintaining professional standards. It involves acting in a trustworthy manner and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Education and exposure to ethical dilemmas during my nursing education have contributed to the development of integrity as a core value.
Drawn to the Profession of Nursing
I was drawn to the profession of nursing due to my desire to make a difference in people’s lives and provide holistic care. The decision to pursue nursing was influenced by my personal experiences as a patient, witnessing the compassionate care provided by nurses. Furthermore, the importance of health promotion and disease prevention resonated with me, as I believe in empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Nursing Metaparadigm
According to CSM nursing program’s philosophy, the nursing metaparadigm includes four elements: person, environment, health, and nursing. While the program defines these elements as follows:

Person: The recipient of nursing care, including individuals, families, and communities.
Environment: The external factors that influence health and well-being.
Health: A state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Nursing: The art and science of providing care to promote health and prevent illness.
I find that these elements align with my beliefs about nursing. However, I also believe that the metaparadigm should acknowledge the importance of cultural competence in nursing practice to ensure individualized care that respects diverse backgrounds and values.

NLN Core Values and ANA Code of Ethics
The NLN core values of caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence align closely with my personal core values. I pair each NLN core value with an ANA Code of Ethics provision as follows:

Caring (NLN): Providing compassionate care that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.

Provision 1 (ANA): The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
Integrity (NLN): Adhering to moral principles and maintaining professional standards.

Provision 5 (ANA): The nurse owes the same duties to self as others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety.
Diversity (NLN): Embracing and respecting the uniqueness of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Provision 7 (ANA): The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
Excellence (NLN): Striving for high-quality care through continuous learning and improvement.

Provision 8 (ANA): The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities.
Integrating Values into Nursing Practice
As an RN, I will integrate these values into my nursing practice by embracing various roles:

Caregiver: I will provide compassionate care that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.
Advocate: I will advocate for patients’ rights, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Educator/Counselor: I will educate patients on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care practices.
Interdisciplinary Team Member: I will collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
Researcher: I will contribute to evidence-based practice by staying updated on current research.
Change Agent: I will actively participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
Leader/Manager: I will lead by example, promoting a culture of respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.

Conclusion
In conclusion, my personal values of compassion, respect, and integrity align closely with the nursing profession’s metaparadigm elements, NLN core values, and ANA Code of Ethics. These values will guide me in delivering nursing care that respects individuals’ dignity, embraces diversity, promotes excellence, and upholds ethical principles. By integrating these values into my practice across various roles as an RN, I aim to provide holistic care that positively impacts patients’ lives.