The nursing profession is guided by a set of core values that nurses are expected to observe to deliver professional quality care to patients. These core values include professionalism, integrity, compassionate care, excellence, communication and collaboration, nursing knowledge, diversity and inclusion, and life-long learning.
Nurses should inculcate core values into nursing practice. Besides, nurses are expected to demonstrate competence in healthcare practice while following nursing guidelines. Nurses should work independently and collaboratively, promote communication and collaborative practices while still assuming responsibilities for their decisions and actions (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2010).
Commitment to excellence should be reflected in evidence-based nursing care to all patients irrespective of their individual differences. The role of the nurse focuses on health promotion and prevention of ill health to promote excellence.
Through nursing guidelines, nurses should evaluate, plan, implement and review nursing practices to determine their effectiveness. Nurses should perform these processes by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to enhance healthcare outcomes. During care delivery, nurses should recognize diverse attributes of patients, including cultures, values, and beliefs.
Nurses also focus on lifelong learning both from nursing schools and in the profession to improve quality of care and personal growth. They should also promote the professional and personal development of other nurses. Through lifelong learning, nurses advance their professional development and practice based on the health needs of the public. Lifelong learning will also improve competency and commitment to excellence as nurses strive to deliver quality care to patients. These qualities will advance nursing practices and nurse leadership.
Reference
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. (2010). National competency standards for the registered nurse. Melbourne: National Board Australia.