Revisiting the Value of Nursing Care

Abstract

When I attended the 2008 Fall Summit of The Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the American Nurses Association President, Rebecca M. Patton, shared with the attendees an idea that had come out of the American Nurses Association’s meeting with its 24 Organizational and Work Force Advocacy Affiliates. What was suggested was for each President to use their ‘‘column’’ in May/June of 2009 to speak to the value of nursing. With a new White House Administration that’s put health care near the top of the nation’s agenda, registered nurses now have an incredible opportunity to help shape a safe, quality, and cost-effective health care system. It is essential to know and recognize the value of nursing that society, governments, and the profession itself have of nursing as a profession in terms of why it exists and how it functions. ‘‘Value’’ means the perceived worth, importance of estimation of nursing as an occupation in the eyes of various groups, including nurses themselves. Individual values in the work place are shaped by the position and responsibilities held. The most influential factors are integrity, respect, customer focus, involvement, quality, creativity/innovation, accountability, and fairness (Buffron, Sullivan, & Sullivan, 2002). The Strategic Plan for ARIN does reflect upon the value of nursing care. Our core purpose or reason for being is to foster the growth of nurses who advance the standard of care in the imaging environment. The public may not think about the solid educational background of registered nurses or the fact that we are bound by a Code of Ethics, or that we develop and follow standards of care. But they know that we are the ones who respond when they’re in pain or are afraid, answer their call lights 24-7, and take the time to listen