Ethical and Professional Values of Turkish Oncology Nurses

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to determine the values that Turkish oncology nurses believe to be a guide for oncology nursing. Method The study was conducted by Turkish Oncology Nursing Association members, attended oncology nursing certification courses or working in oncology clinics. Survey forms were sent to the participants to their postal and e-mail addresses in the association records, and the forms were also delivered by hand to the courses organized by the subject. A total of 880 forms were sent and 521 complete forms were received. As the first part of the questionnaire form, six values suggested for oncology nursing were obtained through a literature review and were included in the study along with their explanations. As the second part of the questionnaire, 10 values derived from the ethical codes of oncology nurses (National Nursing Ethical Codes) were included. The oncology nurses evaluate the importance of these values using a four-point Likert scale. Results The study included 521 oncology nurses and reported the following values to be important: innovativeness, excellence, integrity, nurse advocacy, patient advocacy, and inclusiveness. Based on their preference, the participants reported the following ethical codes to be important for oncology nursing: innovativeness, informed consent, respect for individuals, loyalty, patient education, patient benefit, accurate information, respect for decisions, fair sharing, and honesty. Conclusion The most important professional nursing values according to the perspectives of nurses in Türkiye were identified. It is advisable to update core values and ethical codes in future studies.