Strengthening Professional Values of Doctoral-Level Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction Multiple recent critical societal/world events have impacted nurses' beliefs and emphasized the importance of the standards of behavior that frame nurses' professional values. Objectives This study focused on the professional values of students in a Doctor of Nursing program (DNP), including the relationship between professional values, time in program, and intentions to participate in professionalism-focused activities. Methods From fall 2019 through Spring 2021, 227 participants were invited to participate in this study through the completion of an online survey at several points in time. The survey contained various demographic variables, items from the Nurses Professional Values Scale-3 representing the dimensions of caring, activism, and professionalism, and Likert scale items that measured intentions to participate in professionalism-focused activities. Results The overall mean NPVS-3 score was 118.30 (out of a possible range of 28–140). The highest mean score among the three dimensions was for caring (45.38), followed by activism (40.20) and then professionalism (32.71). Students indicated high intentions to participate in activities focused on professionalism (5.77 on a scale of 1 to 7). A moderate correlation between intentions and professionalism ( r = .44, p < .0001) was noted. The association of intentions to caring and activism was weaker but significant ( r = 0.26; p = .012 ) and ( r = 0.37; p = .0003), respectively. Conclusion DNP curricular efforts can strengthen nurses' professional values by focusing on the development of critically important professional attributes. Nurses, especially those who have a doctoral-level education, need to have strong professional values and understand the importance of their voice and impact as a leader in the profession.

Master coach The Consequences Workplace of the Head Nurse's Adherence to Nursing Professional Educational Ethics and Knowledge of Moral Dilemmas at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

“…They are socialized into the nursing profession through nursing experiences, professors, and coworkers, as well as through nursing codes of ethics. To ensure that the ideals of nursing are upheld, a balance must be struck between advocacy, respect for people, and reducing obstacles to care, as well as the ethical principles that direct nurses in making moral decisions (Hampton et al, 2022). These moral standards have an impact on the nurse's moral judgments, actions, and subsequent professional demeanor at work (Muse et al, 2021).…”