Values influencing neonatal nurses' perceptions and choices

The purpose of this research was to identify the values influencing the nurses' perception and choice of behavior in a hypothetical clinical situation. The theoretical framework was Rokeach's theory on the nature of human values and value systems. A descriptive study using a mailed survey was conducted on a random sample of 331 members of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. Data on individual nurse's values, perception of information, and behavioral choices were collected with an investigator-developed questionnaire consisting of a values scale, and an information scale and choice alternatives related to three hypothetical vignettes: a low-birthweight infant, an infant with chromosomal anomalies, and a chronically ill infant. Results of this study indicate that nurses identified a hierarchy of values related to their practice. Information related to infant characteristics was consistently most important; however, in uncertain situations, rules or external protocols had an increased influence on the behavioral choice process. The behavioral choice option with the greatest agreement was different for each situation. A consistently negative correlation between the options within each vignette indicates that nurses have clearly defined choice preferences. Model testing revealed a consistent relationship across the three vignettes between the variable being just and protocol, doing right and infant characteristics, and infant characteristics and the choice options (p < .05).