Professional Values: The Case For BSN Completion Education

A Critique of the Research Article: Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education

Abstract
Previous research has proven that there is little difference between the professional values of nurses. Researchers Hansen, Huyer-Eatwell, & Kubsch, state that there is a difference in nursing values which is evident by difference nursing practice, and questions whether a nurses perception of what professional values are could explain the conclusion of previous studies. The research paper titled, Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education, conducted by Kubsch, Hansen, Huyer-Eatwell (2008), question whether the perception of professional values in nursing is different depending on the education background of
Nursing, as a whole, continues to have difficulty meeting the criteria of a profession, due to the differences in educational programs required to sit for licensure to practice as a registered nurse (RN). Previous research concludes that there is little difference between the professional values of RN’s based on educational level. The research article, “Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education” (Kubsch et al., 2008), states that there are differences in nursing values, as evidenced by a difference in nursing practice among nurses. Kubsch et al., considers if the educational level of the practicing nurse, defines their perception of what professional nursing values are. If so, perception is the factor manipulating the outcomes of previous studies concluding there is little difference in professional values of RN’s from different educational backgrounds. This paper will critique the qualitative research article, Professional Values: The Case for EN-BSN Completion
The Professional Value Survey (PVS) was developed to define professional values, utilizing the Core aspect from Hall’s Care, Cure, and Core theory, the American Nurses Association (ANA) code of ethics, the ANA standards of professional performance, the ANA social policy statement, characteristics of professions (Bixler, & Bixler, 1945) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) essentials of baccalaureate nursing education. The PVS required respondents to rank fifty statements on a scale of one to five, with one indicate to low professional value, and five ranking high in professional value. Verification of the statements within the PVS towards professional values was provided by a panel of nursing faculty with the minimum of a master degree, who originally graduated from nursing school with a diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate