Tracking the Development of Professional Values in Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

<h4>ABSTRACT</h4> <P>In the current nursing shortage, nurses are frequently making significant patient care decisions concerning value-laden clinical issues. A program evaluation study was conducted to track professional values over time from entry into a baccalaureate program to graduation. Nursing students completed a survey measuring professional values upon entry into and exit from the program. Comparative analysis of pretest and posttest group means demonstrated statistically significant increases in total scores. The highest pretest value items were also the highest on the posttest, with the addition of patient advocacy. Patient advocacy jumped 16 places from pretest to posttest to become the highest-ranked statement upon exit from the program. All of the values rated as least valued at pretest remained least valued at posttest; however, the means of all but two (participating in nursing research and providing consumer education about products/services) increased significantly. The value statements with mean scores that increased significantly centered on aspects of nursing practice less visible to the lay public and involving interaction with other health care providers.</P> <h4>AUTHORS</h4> <P>Received: November 12, 2004</P> <P>Accepted: July 15, 2005</P> <P>Dr. Leners is Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator, Dr. Roehrs is Associate Professor, School of Nursing, and Mr. Piccone is Statistical Consultant, Department of Applied Statistics and Research Methods, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.</P> <P>Address correspondence to Debra Woodard Leners, PhD, RN, CPNP, Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator, University of Northern Colorado, Gunter Hall, Box 125, Greeley, CO 80639; e-mail: <a href="mailto:Debra.Leners@unco.edu">Debra.Leners@unco.edu</a>.</P>

Turkish version of the revised nursing professional values scale: Validity and reliability assessment

“…Values form the basis of decisions and affect the decisions and behaviors of an individual significantly (Altun, 2002;Uustal, 1984). A well-formed value system helps reduce conflict in the decision-making process (Altun, 2002;Johnson, Haigh, & Bolton, 2007;Lenners, Roehrs, & Piccone, 2006). Decision-making is the foundation of professional nursing interventions (Uustal, 1984).…”

“…Each individual has his/her own values and these values are gained as a result of education, experience, culture and interpersonal relationships (Lenners et al, 2006;Rassin, 2010;Vezeau, 2006;Weis & Schank, 2000). In nursing, professional values are learned with observation and experience during training (Fahrenwald et al, 2005;Martin, Yarbrough, & Alfred, 2003;Potter & Perry, 2001;Rassin, 2010;Shinyashiki, Mendes, Trevizan, & Day, 2006).…”

Nurses’ codes of ethics in practice and education: a review of the literature

“…Values related to the codes. These studies dealt with nursing students’ and nurses’ professional values (74, 75), the congruency of professional values between students and healthcare professionals representing different nationalities (76–78), educational situations (79–81), values related to whistle‐blowing (82), and values reflected in nursing philosophies of healthcare institutions (83). The measured values were those inherent in the nurses’ codes.…”

Professionalism in Practice Between Diploma and B.Sc Nursing (4 year) Graduates in Hospital Settings

“…Values in nursing care provide a framework for evaluation of beliefs and attitudes of nurses which transform nursing practice and encourage social and professional behavior [1,10,11]. In a study be Leners et al, professional values measured by Nursing Professional Value Scale (NPVS) proved that act of valuing is adherent to set of principles [12]. Similarly, objective evaluation of professional values can be a tool for redirection of behavior and changing health care environment for employed nurses [3,12].…”

“…In a study be Leners et al, professional values measured by Nursing Professional Value Scale (NPVS) proved that act of valuing is adherent to set of principles [12]. Similarly, objective evaluation of professional values can be a tool for redirection of behavior and changing health care environment for employed nurses [3,12]. As per professional and social expectations, the newly graduate nurses need to be equipped with strong professional values and socialization skills to deal with upcoming challenges of rapidly growing technology [13].…”