What are Registered Nurses Professional Values Entering an on-Line Baccalaureate Educational Program?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine registered nurses' professional values upon entrance into an online RN to BSN Program utilizing the Nurses Professional Value Scale-Revised instrument which is based on the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses. The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses is known as the standard for ethical behavior and is applicable to all nurses regardless of practice area. A quantitative survey descriptive correlational design was implemented with a convenience sample. A Qualtrics®'s link was electronically sent to subjects' university e-mail addresses to anonymously participate. Statistical analyses utilized was descriptive and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Registered nurses returning to complete an on-line Baccalaureate educational program have a moderate to high professional value orientation. Screening students on entrance and exit of the program may identify maturation of the internalization of the nursing code of ethics since the RN has advanced academically.