Extent the mission, vision, and values congruent with nursing core values

Integrity and Accountability: Nursing professionals are held to a high standard of honesty and ethical conduct. A congruent organizational mission and vision would emphasize accountability, transparency, and the use of evidence-based practice to ensure the highest quality of care. This alignment builds trust with patients and fosters a culture of safety.

Altruism and Social Justice: Nursing has a long-standing tradition of altruism, putting the needs of patients and the community before self-interest. This value is congruent with a mission that aims to serve vulnerable populations, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity. An organization's vision for a healthier community aligns directly with the nursing profession's role in public health advocacy.

Autonomy: Nurses are expected to act as advocates for their patients, respecting their right to make informed decisions about their own health. An organization's values should support this autonomy, empowering nurses to speak up for patient rights and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure patient-centered care.

Potential Incongruence

While there is a high degree of congruence, potential conflicts can arise. For example, a hospital's mission to maximize profits might clash with a nurse's core value of social justice and equitable resource allocation. In such cases, nurses may face ethical dilemmas when pressured to prioritize cost-cutting over patient needs. This highlights the importance of a clear and strong alignment between the organization's stated values and its actual operational practices.

Sample Answer

The mission, vision, and values of a healthcare organization are congruent with nursing core values to the extent that they prioritize patient well-being, ethical practice, and community health. Nursing's core values—including human dignity, integrity, altruism, autonomy, and social justice—provide a foundational framework that aligns with the strategic goals of a mission-driven organization.

Congruence with Nursing Core Values

Human Dignity and Compassion: Nursing's commitment to treating every individual with respect and kindness is often reflected in an organization's mission to provide "compassionate" and "patient-centered" care. This means a focus on holistic care that addresses not only the patient's physical needs but also their emotional and psychological well-being.