Values & Beliefs in Nursing - Study Notes

Values & Beliefs in Nursing

Introduction
  • Course Title: Values & Beliefs in Nursing
  • Course Code: NRSG 201
Agenda Overview
  • Exploration of how images, videos, TV, and film portray nursing.
  • Discussion on public perception of nurses.
  • Examination of values and beliefs.
  • Connection between values/beliefs and nursing practices.
  • Impact of personal values/beliefs on individual perceptions of nursing.
Portrayal and Public Perception of Nursing
  • Media Stereotypes:
    • "Angel of Mercy": Portrays nurses as selfless and subservient, often focused only on emotional support rather than clinical expertise.
    • "Battle-axe": Depicts nurses as strict, authoritative, and uncaring.
    • "Handmaiden": Suggests nurses are merely assistants to physicians, undermining their autonomy and professional judgment.
    • Hypersexualized images: Focuses on physical appearance rather than professional competence.
    • Heroic figures: While sometimes positive, can oversimplify the daily realities and complexities of the role.
  • Impact on Public and Self-Perception:
    • These portrayals often lead to a misunderstanding of the multifaceted nature of nursing, which includes critical thinking, scientific knowledge, advocacy, and complex decision-making.
    • Influences public trust, respect for the profession, and can affect recruitment into nursing.
Definition and Importance of Values & Beliefs in Nursing
  • What are values and beliefs?
    • Beliefs:
    • Definition: Something that one considers to be true, irrespective of evidence.
    • Examples of beliefs:
      • Religious beliefs.
      • Political beliefs.
      • Perceptions about food (e.g., "the better something tastes, the worse it must be for me").
      • Personal affirmations (e.g., "I always do my best", "the world is a dangerous place").
    • Values:
    • Definition: Strong personal beliefs that influence behavior and reflect cultural, social, and personal influences.
    • Acquisition of values occurs throughout life—shaped by:
      • Culture.
      • Religion.
      • Educational settings (school).
      • Relationships (friends).
      • Social media.
    • Help distinguish between right and wrong.
    • Examples of strong personal values:
      • Fairness.
      • Transparency.
      • Compassion.
The Relevance of Personal Values in Nursing
  • Why discuss personal values?
    • Awareness of one's personal values is crucial to understanding the values of:
    • Patients.
    • Team members.
    • Workplace culture.
    • Importance of recognizing the origins of personal values and their relation to others' values.
    • Influence on Nursing Practice:
    • Patient Advocacy: Strong values of justice and equity can drive a nurse to advocate fiercely for vulnerable or marginalized patients.
    • Empathy and Compassion: Directly impact a nurse's ability to connect with suffering patients, provide holistic care, and maintain a humane approach.
    • Ethical Decision-Making: Personal values form a foundational lens through which nurses approach moral dilemmas, such as end-of-life care or conflicts between patient autonomy and family wishes.
    • Professional Boundaries: Values concerning respect, integrity, and privacy guide the establishment and maintenance of appropriate professional boundaries with patients and colleagues.
    • Acknowledgment that values can evolve over time due to:
    • Maturation.
    • New experiences, specifically within clinical settings (e.g., witnessing profound suffering, ethical dilemmas, or the limitations of the healthcare system).
    • Professional development and exposure to diverse perspectives.
    • Emphasis on the intimate nature of the nurse-patient relationship.
    • Recognition of multiple layers of values that inform ethical questions and actions as a nurse.
    • The challenge of differing personal values among individuals and how to navigate these differences in practice:
    • Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting that diverse cultures hold different value systems is paramount.
    • Active Listening and Empathy: Essential skills for understanding and acknowledging the differing values of patients, families, and colleagues.
    • Adherence to Ethical Principles: Relying on professional ethical codes (e.g., beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice) to guide actions when personal values conflict with professional duties or patient preferences.
    • Self-Reflection: Critical for nurses to identify their own biases, assumptions, and emotional