Perception Of Staff Nurses regarding Professional Values At Ain Shams Specialized Hospital

Abstract

Background: Nurses professional values are standards for action and provide a framework for evaluating behaviors. Nursing practice is influenced by nurses' perceived professional values.Aim: This study aimed to assess the staff nurses' perception regarding professional values.Methodology:This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital. It included a Convenient sample of 95 staff nurses in intensivecare units. The data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire sheet that included a part for socio-demographic characteristics, and the second part included the Nursing Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R).Results: The finding indicated that the total mean score of the nurses’ professional values was high (3.56±0.57). From nurses’ perspective items such as “Maintaining confidentiality of patients” Advance the profession through active involvement in health related activities. Establish standards as a guide for practice, Maintain competency in area of practice, Protect health and safety of the public had more importance; however, Act as a patient advocate, Participate in public policy decisions affecting distribution of resources, Participate in peer review, Engage in on-going self-evaluation, Assume responsibility for meeting health needs of the of the culturally diverse population had less importance. Conclusions: Although the total mean score related to the staff nurses’ perspective on professional values was high, the importance of certain values was at a lower level. Owing to the emerging ethical challenges, it is indispensable to design educational programs in order to improve nurses’ awareness and understanding of the comprehensive importance of professional values. Recommendation: Further investigations are needed to evaluate how they actualize these values in practice.