Important personal values for a nurse include autonomy, respect for an individual, commitment, integrity, sympathy, and accuracy. They are critical for nurses because these values determine the approach to caring for a patient. In society, similar values play a crucial role because community members also pay attention to honesty, dignity, autonomy, empathy, and respect in their interactions. To make reasonable choices, it is important to have much information on all available options and ensure that the final decision is well-grounded (Butts & Rich, 2016; Pozgar, 2016). Therefore, personal and professional values influence the choices in life and nursing practice because principles are correlated with beliefs and knowledge. The values important in society include respect, dignity, justice, and honesty as they guarantee positive and fruitful interactions and relations.
When referring to limits for choices, it is possible to state that authorities, policymakers, administrators, nurse leaders and other powerful figures can limit one’s choices because of their authority. In some situations, limits to choices are necessary as nurses cannot rely only on their personal views and beliefs in providing care, but they should follow standards, policies, and regulations. Still, limiting other individuals’ choices can be observed when these actions do not violate patients’ rights and when the principle of non-maleficence should be followed. Furthermore, it is also possible to admit that healthcare organizations and the government can also limit individuals’ choices when their policies are oriented toward protecting and promoting the community’s health.
Finally, it is important to state that the reliance on a personal compass based on values and ethical views is not the best choice in all situations. The reason is that decisions and choices should be grounded on professional ethics and values shared in society rather than on personal values. It can be dangerous to believe that a personal moral framework is without any weaknesses. For a nurse’s practice, personal views should follow commonly accepted ethical norms in nursing and healthcare.
References
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2016). Nursing ethics: Across the curriculum and into practice (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning
Pozgar, G. D. (2016). Legal and ethical issues for health professionals (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.