Professional values in a sample of nursing students from different countries

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed to determine the professional values of nursing students from different countries. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of nursing students from different countries. The data were collected using an identification form and the Nurses' Professional Values Scale-Revised. A total of 305 nursing students from Turkey, Tanzania, and Spain were included in the analysis. RESULTS: In this study, the mean nursing professional values scores were 113.5 +/- 12.8, 105.8 +/- 16.0, 107.9 +/- 8.4 for Turkey, Tanzania, and Spain, respectively (minimum-maximum: 44-130). There were no statistically significant differences between the Turkish and the Spanish students' professional value scores, but the Turkish students' scores were higher than the Tanzanian students. CONCLUSION: The factors affecting the level of professional values of students for each country were different. For educators, it is important to develop teaching strategies to empower professional values. Understanding cultural differences can guide professional values and universal ethics in nursing practice, education, and research.