A nurse is due to renew their nursing license. Which of the following information should the nurse identify as the purpose of renewal?

Choice A reason: Quality education is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, quality education is an act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for a profession. NSNA informs, prepares, and inspires members to develop continuous, lifelong learning and ethics of the profession.

Choice B reason: Safety is not a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics, but a responsibility that is part of the NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct. According to this code, nursing students have a responsibility to promote the safety of clients, self, and others in academic and clinical settings. Safety is also a core value of nursing practice, but it is not explicitly stated in the NSNA code of ethics.

Choice C reason: Diversity is not a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics, but a goal that is part of the NSNA Mission Statement. According to this statement, NSNA is committed to fostering the professional development of nursing students with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Diversity is also a principle that guides the NSNA Code of Professional Conduct, which states that nursing students should respect the diversity of clients, colleagues, faculty, and staff.

Choice D reason: Professionalism is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, professionalism is the characteristics that describe an individual striving to maintain the highest standards for one’s chosen path – honesty, integrity, responsibility and conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. As NSNA members, it is important to create a culture of professionalism in our organization and to uphold the values of professionalism in order to conduct ourselves and our organization in the most respectful, honest way.

Choice E reason: Advocacy is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, advocacy is an activity or process to work on behalf of self and/or others to raise awareness of a concern and to promote solutions to the issue. The nursing profession is based on advocating for patients and families in order to help facilitate the healing process; NSNA serves as an advocate for nursing students by representing them as one united voice.

Choice F reason: Confidentiality is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Code of Professional Conduct, nursing students should protect the privacy and confidentiality of clients, colleagues, faculty, and staff. Confidentiality is also a principle that guides the NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct, which states that nursing students should maintain client confidentiality in verbal, written, and electronic forms.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse’s personal values can and do influence ethical decisions. The nurse should be aware of their own values and how they affect their judgment and actions. The nurse should also respect the values of others and avoid imposing their own values on the clients or colleagues.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect because value clarification is not related to maintaining clinical competency. Value clarification is a process of identifying, examining, and prioritizing one’s values. It can help the nurse to understand their own values and beliefs, as well as those of the clients and the profession.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct because it is important that the nurse is aware of the client’s values. The nurse should assess the client’s values and preferences, and incorporate them into the plan of care. The nurse should also respect the client’s right to self-determination and autonomy, and support the client in making informed decisions.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse's behaviors and actions are not called values. Values are the beliefs and principles that guide one’s decisions and actions. A nurse's behaviors and actions are the expressions of their values, as well as their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.