The value ground of nursing

Abstract

The aim of this literature study was to suggest a value ground for nursing anchored in two ethical principles: the principle of human value and the right to experience a meaningful life. Previous nursing research between the years 2000 and 2009 was analysed. Presented values suggested in this value ground are thus in line with the nursing context and science of today. Statements within ethical literature have been used in order to formulate arguments aimed at supporting the values that were found in the study. In the literature study six values were found: trust, nearness, sympathy, support, knowledge and responsibility. These values hold equal status and are not presented in hierarchical order. They vary due to the persons involved, nursing situations and cultural surroundings, but have the common requirement of being non-excluding. In order to implement the values within the value ground, two prerequisites are discussed and claimed as essential: ethical dialogue and a caring encounter between care provider and patients.

Umbrella review of the evidence: what factors influence the caring relationship between a nurse and patient?

“…Most reviews were unclear with regard to the criteria they used for critical appraisal or whether two reviewers were used for critical appraisal. One review stated explicitly that they did not critically appraise primary papers (Snellman & Gedda ). There is debate about the necessity of critical appraisal for qualitative research (Dixon‐Woods et al .…”

“…‘Values’ emphasizes that the nurse–patient relationship should be based on inherent values such as trust, sympathy, support and responsibility and that these values should be reflected in the attitudes and behaviours displayed by nurses (Snellman & Gedda ).This raises the question of whether we can guide nurses to undertake behaviours where certain values might not be inherent in the nurse providing care. Initiatives in the UK to have student nurses undergo compassionate assessments prior to selection to nursing school would support this view (Pryce‐Miller & Emanuel ).…”

Comparison of professional values of Taiwanese and United States nursing students

“…15 The results of this study demonstrate that nurses from different cultural backgrounds share values but that nurses from different cultures integrate those values into nursing practice using different priorities. We must distinguish between acts of nursing and the profession of nursing.…”

Comparison of professional values between nursing students in Taiwan and China

“…21 The Chinese version of the NPVS-R is composed of 26 items representing three subscales: professionalism (items 1, 2, 3, 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16), caring (items 17,20,21,22,23,24,25), and activism (items 4,5,13,18,19,26). 18 These factors were conceptualized by Weis and Schank as essential professional nursing values and were confirmed to fit the Taiwanese culture (which is also a Chinese descendant).…”