Fundamental Values in Nursing Care: The Person’s Perspective

Person-centered care requires nurses to integrate the values of people receiving care into nursing practice to promote ethical, humanized care and improved therapeutic outcomes. Despite its relevance, limited evidence identifies which values people themselves consider fundamental and how these values are perceived as integrated into nursing care. In this study, values are understood broadly, encompassing ethical, relational, and professional dimensions. This study aimed to identify the fundamental values of people receiving care, the values they expect from nurses, and the perceived factors influencing the integration of these values into nursing care. The research question was: which values do people consider fundamental for integration into nursing care, and which factors influence this process? A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. The study included a convenience sample of 11 participants hospitalized within the previous 6 months. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis followed Mayring’s approach, including systematic coding, categorization, and thematic abstraction. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured, and anonymity was guaranteed. Four interrelated themes emerged. These addressed fundamental personal values, values expected from nurses, nurses’ attributes facilitating therapeutic relationships, and perceived organizational and individual factors influencing value integration. Core values emphasized dignity, respect, empathy, privacy, competence, honesty, beneficence, affection, and humanization. Influencing factors included resource constraints, workload, professional awareness, training, vocation, and institutional philosophy. Integrating people’s values into nursing care is essential for ethical, humanized, person-centered practice. Effective integration depends on nurses’ commitment and supportive organizational conditions, including resources, leadership, and alignment with person-centered principles. Future research should examine nurses’ perspectives and organizational strategies.