Professional values

Professional Values Name: ______________________________________ Using this format, prepare a 30 – 50 word response in each box that describes your understanding of the values for the nursing student. Review the assigned reading assignments found in located page. Prepare an APA-formatted reference page. Define: Identify how nurses demonstrate this value. Discuss how you demonstrate this value. Altruism According to Salvage (2006), people say they remember the little things. The nurse who was a shoulder to cry on, the one who explained things in terms they could understand and the one who knew just when to give the pain medicine. It is action that counts most. It is completely unselfish. I am available to care for my patients. I am their advocate. I explain things to them and I ask questions for them. I sit with them when they are afraid. I wipe their tears. I listen to their stories. I am their nurse. Autonomy Nurses work independently. They assess their patients and notify physicians of changes in the patients’ condition and significant lab results. Nurses teach their patients about their illnesses and their medications to increase the patients’ knowledge. I assess my patients and formulate an individualized plan of care based on each patient’s needs. I am capable of working independently, providing a safe, secure environment for my patients. Human Dignity Dignity is important to every individual and is a basic human right. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) (2006) Code of Ethics for Nurses states that: ‘Inherent in nursing is respect for human rights, including the right to life, to dignity and to be treated with respect.” Respecting patients’ human dignity is one of the most important things I feel I can do for them. I do this by maintaining privacy and following a patient’s wishes. I try to understand differences in cultures and how my actions may be perceived by someone from a different culture. Integrity As many of these values, integrity is a big part of the American Nurses’ Associations Code of Ethics. Nurses are expected to be honest and to perform timely, accurate documentation. I feel I show my integrity by following my moral belief system and the American Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics. I am honest with my patients and I am able to admit my shortcomings.