Examples Of Professional Values In Nursing

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When I decided to become a nurse I had no idea what I was really leading myself into. I started nursing school at a later age than most of the registered nursing students, past and present. I chose to continue to be a student and to become a registered nurse, after obtaining a bachelors of arts degree in fashion from a private school in downtown Los Angeles. Although I have a passion for fashion, I did not feel at that time, that, fashion, would be enough for me, I wanted more. I remember that I took a mandatory pre-nursing class and a review of Core Professional Values in Nursing was a topic covered. The Professional Values in Nursing is what confirmed my path in becoming a registered nurse. The Core Professional Nursing Values (CPNVs) include five major categories which consist of: altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice (Shaw & Degazon, 2008, p. 44-50). I found the CPNVs to be a type of guide for me into the nursing culture & profession. These five core values are imperative to the profession of nursing, to all nursing students and current nurses. I often use CPNVs in my current practice, independently. I do feel that every healthcare institution should incorporate CPNVs into their Code of Conduct. My current employer St. Joseph Hospital of Orange includes CPNVs into their mission statement.
Every individual is brought up with some type of values that are subjective, these values are based on a belief system stemmed from culture, which has nothing to do with any profession or career. The CPNVs are similar to sociology, only from a professional stand point of a nurse, a shared culture, an understanding amongst all nurses. Altruism is the first major topic of the CPNVs, it is also known for an individua...

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...worth it. I enjoy my profession and it is my career, hopefully for another two to three decades more. I hold the Core Professional Nursing Values close to me, as it is what guided me to this life long path of nursing. The five major values: altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice have been utilized in my nursing practice and art almost daily. I know that I could always learn more and practice to be a better nurse as I will never be at optimum level. I enjoy the daily challenges that I face on each twelve and a half hour shift that I complete. I strongly believe that these values should be in our Code of Conduct and I will mention it at a Unit Based Council in hopes it will be recognized and added. The CPNVs have taught me a lot and have also guided me to treat my patients with respect, human dignity, and equality as all human being deserve.

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