Values

Values something of worth; enduring beliefs or attitudes about the worth of a

person, object, idea, or action. They are important because they influence decisions,
actions, even nurses ethical decision making.
Value set all the values (eg, personal, professional, religous) that a person holds
Value system the organization of a persons values along a continuum of relative
importance; basic to a way of life, give direction to life, form basis of behavior
Beliefs interpretations or conclusions that one accepts as true (based more on
faith than fact)
Judged by others as correct or incorrect
Beliefs do not necessarily involve attitude. Example: I believe if I
study hard I will make good grades. Belief and value would be Good
grades are important to me and I believe I can make good grades if I
study very hard.
Attitudes mental stance that is composed of many different beliefs; usually
involving a positive or negative judgment toward a person, object, or idea
Judged by others as being bad or good, positive or negative
They vary greatly among individuals. Example: some clients may
feel strongly about their need for privacy, whereas others may dismiss it
as important.
Values Transmission
Values are learned through observation and experience. Therefore, they are
influenced greatly by cultural, ethnic, and religious groups and by family and peer
groups. Example: a parent consistently demonstrates honesty in dealing with
others, the child will probably value honesty. Our health beliefs are also learned this
way.

American Association of
Colleges of Nursings 5 Values
Essential for the Nursing
Professional
Altruism doing good,
concern for others
Autonomy right to self-
determination
Human dignity respect
for the uniqueness of
individuals and populations
Integrity honesty; acting
in accordance with the code of
ethics and standards of
practice
Social justice working to
ensure equal treatment under
the law and equal access to
quality health care

Personal Values
Personal values values internalized from the society or culture in which one
lives. People need societal values to feel accepted, and they need personal values
to have a sense of individuality.