1. Running head: LIVING MY VALUES 1
Living my Values
Katelyn Haynes
California Baptist University

2. LIVING MY VALUES 2
Living my Values
Values can be defined as certain ideals, beliefs, codes of conduct, qualities, and goals that
are highly prized within an individual, group, or society; these ideas are what are important to us
and are what give our life meaning (Burkhardt, 2014). Values can be both conscious and
unconscious, they are qualities that we learn as we go through life experiences and shape us into
the individuals that we are. For myself, my top three values or qualities that are important to me
are being selfless, always being positive, and service to others. These values not only enhance
my everyday life; they will also enhance my career as a nurse in the future.
I believe that these core values enhance my everyday life because they all tie together and
make me the individual that I currently I am. When asked how I would describe myself a few
things that come to mind first are that I have a need to help others, I am compassionate, and I
always treat others how I would want to be treated. I believe that these tie into my values of
being selfless, serving others, and being positive because to live by these values means needing
to have the traits I mentioned.
Each day, we make decisions both consciously and subconsciously. When we make
these decisions, our choice will usually match our values. By having a good set of values that
you are aware of each day, your decisions and plans should be in accordance with these values.
For me, one of my main values is being selfless. Each day I subconsciously have this in my
mind when choosing to put the needs of others before my own personal needs. I am always
concerned with others feelings rather than my own because I am empathetic and have a need to
want to help and serve those who are around me. I am aware of my own values, and they are
always consistent because I lead my life by them. I believe that to lead a good life, it is
important to realize what your values are. This can help you realize what is and what is not

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important in your life. Your personal beliefs and values are shaped by your experiences and play
a role in your life (Marquis, 2015). Not only do they play a role in your life, they can provide an
individual with direction and meaning to life (Burkhardt, 2015).
I believe that in nursing, values are extremely important to be aware of. A selfless
individual will make the needs and decisions for others a priority. Because of this becoming
aware of values is important in being able to make clear and thoughtful decisions (Burkhardt,
2015). I feel that this is important in the field of nursing because we are mandated to be
advocates for our patients, being a selfless individual will enhance the ability to advocate and
stand up for what is right for the patient in our care, and ultimately being aware of this value will
help make the best decision based on the patients’ needs and wants. When a nurse is working
with patients regarding healthcare situations, the nurse needs to be aware of not only personal
values but the patient’s own values in regards to their health, because values of both the nurse
and the patient influence that patient care situation (Burkhardt, 2015). As a nurse, it is good to
know what expectations your patient has for their care and it is important to understand what
your patient values. What may be important to you, may not be important to your patient; this is
where being selfless comes into play and where putting your patient’s needs first is what is
needed. Ultimately, if you do not make your patient values and expectations a priority, it may
lead to patient dissatisfaction (Burkhardt, 2015).
Nurses compassionately care for anyone who is in need, regardless of race, gender, age,
or status (Shelley, 2006). This is a part of our calling to care as nurses and supporting of our
Christian world view. As nurses, we do not discriminate when it comes to care, we will care for
whoever is in need because this is what God has ultimately called us to do. By having the desire
to serve others and be a selfless individual, I believe this supports the statement of caring for

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anyone in need with compassion. I believe as a new grad nurse it is important to be truly present
at the bedside and serving all patients in their times of need without hesitation and with
compassion (Parse, 2014). I believe as a new grad, being positive, selfless, and of service to
others it will take me far in the field. I will be able to be truly present at the bedside and help
patients during the most vulnerable times of their life. By having a desire to serve others, I will
do everything in my power to ensure that the needs of my patients are met, and that their values
and expectations are my top priority.
Values are highly prized ideals that are present throughout your entire life and are
constantly changing and developing with age. It is important to be aware of your own values to
enhance both your personal life and your career. As a nurse, especially a new graduate nurse, it
will be important to not only be aware of your own values but to assist your patients to articulate
their own values and beliefs because it is ultimately an important part of nursing care (Burkhardt,
2015). Identifying your own values and those of your patients will help when advocating for
your patient and supporting them during their times of need.

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References
Burkhardt, MA & Nathaniel, AK (2014). Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing, 4th ed.
Cengage Learning: Stamford, CT.
Marquis, B.L. & Huston, C.J. (2015). Leadership roles and management functions in
nursing: Theory & application (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott.
Parse, R. R. (2014). The humanbecoming paradigm: A transformational worldview. Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania: A Discovery International Publication.
Shelly, J. & Miller, A. (2006). Called to care: A Christian worldview of nursing. Downers
Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press.