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Personal Values In Nursing Practice

Decent Essays

Staying abreast of the most current health care policies and legislation that impacts nursing practice is essential to being a well prepared nurse (Chery & Jacob, 2014, p.89). Just as important is the understanding of one’s own personal values and ethical standards that drive care (Westrick, 2013, p. 3). To become a “nurse champion” however, requires exceptional decision making and the incorporation of current research into daily practice (White, 2011). In the following paragraphs we will investigate how personal values, ethical principles, policies, decision-making, and evidence based practice influences care through a case study of Sue Smith. Personal Values Sue has a worked as a home health/hospice nurse in a rural area for three years. She has had an increase in workload due to a decrease in reimbursements. The long hours, large distance between patients, and huge amount of paperwork demonstrates her dedication to the seriously ill. Something she must be aware of is her potential for burnout and fatigue. Melvin (2015), found that hospice workers who are repeatedly exposed to seriously ill, suffering, and dying patients often experience professional compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress disorder. In the case study, Sue is faced with a dilemma that will challenge her values. It is important for nurses to understand the difference between personal values and professional standards as we are often faced with choices that may conflict the two

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