Concept analysis of nurses' work values

This study aimed to clarify the nature and definition of nurses' work values. To this end, we adopted Walker and Avant's (2019) concept analysis procedure. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science for previous literature that sampled nurses and nursing students published before September 2020. From 104 studies, 30 were analyzed. Citation sources for the definition of work values were also included in the target literature. After clarifying all usages of the concept, important attributes were determined, and model cases, borderline cases, related cases, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents were identified. Nurses' work values were defined as: enduring beliefs about the preferable conditions and outcomes nurses desire through their work, that place importance on their work, and that are the principles and standards that guide attitudes, judgments, and behaviors. Additionally, the antecedents for nurses' work values included basic human values, gender, and generation, and the consequences comprised attitudes, judgments, and behaviors related to work. Clarification of the concept enables the proper utilization of knowledge regarding nurses' work values and the development of a related theory.