Abstract
AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify whether differences exist in nursing professional values based on program type and/or geographic location.
BACKGROUND: Deliberate inclusion of values formation is critical to nursing education and high-quality nursing care. There is limited research comparing professional values development among students in all types of prelicensure RN programs and no research comparing students' professional values between geographic regions.
METHOD: A secondary analysis was completed of original data collected in three descriptive studies using the Nursing Professional Value Scale-Revised(R).
RESULTS: Findings indicate prelicensure nursing students are educated with the values integrated within the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Significant differences (p < .05) were found when comparing geographic locations, program types, and Nursing Professional Value Scale-Revised factor scores.
CONCLUSION: Additional research is needed to identify best practices for overall values formation in all program types.