Professional values in baccalaureate nursing education

The purpose of this study was to compare program objectives of National League of Nursing-accredited baccalaureate programs with the professional nursing behaviors that reflect the seven values identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Findings showed that most of the professional behaviors were found in program objectives. However, behaviors reflective of two essential values, truth and esthetics, were identified only in a minority of program objectives. In addition, research and life-long learning were overwhelmingly identified in program objectives, but they were not reflected in the professional nursing behaviors of the AACN document. The professional nursing behaviors were also classified according to the three major roles of baccalaureate graduates. The provider-of-care role was dominant, followed by the member-of-profession and coordinator-of-care roles.