Florence Nightingale prepared the nursing profession by providing a sound collection of values from which we all practice, until today. Three of the most profound of those values include the belief in human dignity, equality of all patients and the desire to prevent suffering.
Global studies on the values of nursing care continue to remain consistent over time with these three values rising to the top of all lists. If we explore these a little more deeply, we begin to understand the profound responsibility and impact we have on those that we serve.
Nurses believe in the need to preserve human dignity.
Human dignity simply defined is the right to be treated with honor and respect. Of course, this becomes challenging if the patient is not treating the nurse with dignity and respect, which creates an emotional conflict. There are many factors that contribute to patient behaviors including culture, fear, guilt and loss.
I used to tell all of my staff that we do not run a fine restaurant or an entertainment venue that our patients choose to come to. Most of the time they visit us because they have to for reasons that they are generally not happy about. Many of them fear for their lives or the lives of their loved ones. These challenges will certainly contribute to the altering of behaviors after all; we all know how we feel when we are not at our best.
We also cannot forget the impact of culture and ethnic beliefs and behaviors. These may be alien to our beliefs and behaviors but are real and valuable to those of that culture. For instance, there are several cultures that believe suffering must be endured with a sense of stoicism. These patients will suffer rather than accept or ask for pain medication. This may frustrate the nurse and will make it more difficult for the nurse to make them comfortable, but the behavior really has all to do with what is accepted by the culture.
Equality among patients is the next core value subscribed to by the nursing profession.
If we truly believe in this value then it is our responsibility to care for all of our patients with the same intensity, desire and compassion. With the increased challenges of diversity in a deteriorating healthcare system, this will be more difficult as time goes on and funding is reduced since we may see even more disparities in the provision of healthcare.
Lastly, we as nurses subscribe in the belief that all patients should be free of suffering and therefore it becomes our responsibility to do what we can to prevent suffering. It is important to look at suffering from two different angles, the physical, which we can control with the usual approaches to pain management, positioning and caring for personal needs.
The other component of suffering is related to the psychological needs of the patient and making sure that we care for their mind as well. Caring for the mind also generally requires more time than caring for the body, along with an emotional commitment to listen and be present.
Nursing more than any other profession is in a position to be the gate keeper and consummate advocate for the patients we serve.
We are in a position to knit together all the components of care and to protect the patient from harm, whether it is physical or emotional. That means that we need to become knowledgeable and involved in every aspect of the patient care. It also means that at times, we will need to advocate for the patients to physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
This also means that we as nurses are responsible to point out safety concerns that we see, whether it relates to staffing on the floors, equipment availability or incomplete or confusing processes.
It is certainly easier to look away or to wait for others to point out issues. If we do that there is no guarantee that the issues will rise to a level for which they will be addressed, leading possibly to a situation that could lead to a sentinel event or injury to a patient.
Lastly, it is important to remember our vital role in the care of our patients. We are the critical link to their safety and quality of life. We need to remain true to nursing care and be their consummate advocate.