Professional Values

Professional nursing values are essential principles that guide those in the nursing profession. They include altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice.

First, altruism is selfless service on behalf of or for the benefit of others. Nurses demonstrate altruism by prioritizing the patient's needs over their own. For example, caring for patients with infectious diseases may still carry some risks, even with the appropriate use of PPE.

Autonomy is the right of competent adults to make informed decisions about their healthcare. For this reason, nurses aim to plan care in partnership with their patients.

Human dignity means valuing and respecting all individuals and communities and treating each individual as a unique human being. For example, every patient has the same right to privacy.

Integrity promotes honest and fair treatment for all, abiding by the nursing code of ethics and consistently adhering to professionalism.

This means that nurses strive to be open and honest with patients about their care and treatment.

Finally, social justice refers to providing equal healthcare services for all individuals regardless of their background.