Pillar 10: Virtue
Virtue is defined as “the qualities or
characteristics developed by individuals when acted on in a balanced way, that are
morally praiseworthy, and reinforce acting in the same way in the future”
(Crigger and Godfrey, 2011).
Virtue can be viewed as two states of character (Crigger and Godfrey, 2011). Virtue, as a state of character, was first defined by Crigger and Godfrey, as ‘makes one good’. I see this "makes one good" as choosing to do the right thing. For nurses, this choosing to do the right thing can positively impact our patients and their health/outcomes.
Second, virtue, as a state of character, makes a person perform well in their own work (Crigger and Godfrey, 2011). If a person, or nurse for example, performs well in their work, then again patients benefit. Once a person performs well, they will most likely want to replicate that behavior in the future.
The students need to understand the importance of virtue and how it plays into patient care. How can we teach nursing students how to do the "right thing" when patients are concerned? I do view doing the "right thing" as part of professionalism and accountability. I always say to my students, "Part of professionalism is accountability, accountability to your actions, and the outcomes of those actions." Finally, this virtuous care by nurses and nursing students will not only benefit their patients but their personhood as well. Do you agree? As always, I welcome feedback.
Virtue can be viewed as two states of character (Crigger and Godfrey, 2011). Virtue, as a state of character, was first defined by Crigger and Godfrey, as ‘makes one good’. I see this "makes one good" as choosing to do the right thing. For nurses, this choosing to do the right thing can positively impact our patients and their health/outcomes.
Second, virtue, as a state of character, makes a person perform well in their own work (Crigger and Godfrey, 2011). If a person, or nurse for example, performs well in their work, then again patients benefit. Once a person performs well, they will most likely want to replicate that behavior in the future.
The students need to understand the importance of virtue and how it plays into patient care. How can we teach nursing students how to do the "right thing" when patients are concerned? I do view doing the "right thing" as part of professionalism and accountability. I always say to my students, "Part of professionalism is accountability, accountability to your actions, and the outcomes of those actions." Finally, this virtuous care by nurses and nursing students will not only benefit their patients but their personhood as well. Do you agree? As always, I welcome feedback.
Reference
Crigger, N. & Godfrey, N. (2011). The
Making of Nurse Professionals. Jones & Bartlett: Sudbury, MA.
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