UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC.

College of Nursing, Public Health, and

Midwifery

Exploring the role of Personal

values in the academic life of nursing
student: A qualitative approach

In Partial Fulfillment of
The requirements for the GINST 002
TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION
THROUGH VALUES AND INTEGRITY

Submitted by:
Psalms Aubrey D. Acosta
Ellen Grace L. Almazan
Sheena Lhey B. Aganan
Nica Mae Serrano
Maxi Louie B. Arconcil
(BSN 2A)

Submitted to:
Francis Liwanag

SY. 2022-2023
 CHAPTER I
A. INTRODUCTION

Values are fundamental beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes that have

long been granted and accepted by society as what is good. In the broadest
sense, they are the virtues that a person possesses in his or her life. Values
serve as the foundation for an individual's way of thinking and acting. They
influence how people make decisions, make choices, and build perceptions
and attitudes. Furthermore, numerous studies on personal values have
revealed that they frequently govern decision-making in all parts of life,
including career, religion, social circles, and self-identity. Personal values can
also be considered desirable motivational aims and interests of an individual
or the guiding principles in life. They can also be molded by various
circumstances such as culture, gender, and age. Values are vital as they
help people grow, develop, and guide their beliefs, attitudes, and actions.
They help people become true and appropriately conduct themselves to
bring them closer to exploring the duties of a nursing student.

In general, values are strongly connected to an impact profession such

as nursing. According to the findings of a research study conducted by
(Anana,2010), students choosing certain careers are more typical than
others depending on their values, while some values are more typical of
certain careers than others. Thus, personal values have been chosen as the
primary topic of research in a range of fields and academic disciplines.
Nursing education focuses on developing competent and compassionate
nurses capable of providing patient-centered care. The development of
professional values, which serve as the foundation of nursing practice, is
central to this. The significance of personal values in molding nursing
students' attitudes, behaviors, and academic achievement, on the other
hand, has received little attention in the nursing literature. Individuals'
personal values are deeply rooted belief systems about what is important,
desirable, and right or wrong.

Previous research has shown the significance of personal values in the

formation of professional values in nurses (Dobrowolska et al., 2018).
However, few research have looked into how personal values affect nursing
students' academic lives. There is a connection between personal values and
academic motivation, engagement, and mindset, according to research
(Datu, King, & Valdez, 2016). Exploring how personal values influence
nursing students' academic performance and behaviors in nursing school is
therefore critical to understanding nursing students' entire development. It
is crucial in the lives of any student. They contribute to the development of
positive character traits such as compassion, respect, kindness, and
humility. They establish general principles for social behavior.

Despite the importance of personal values, few studies have explored

how personal values impact nursing students' academic performance and
behaviors in nursing education. Therefore, the study aims to explore the
role and identify how personal values in the academic life of nursing
students and their relationship with professional values is essential to
producing competent, compassionate nurses.

B. Objectives of the Study

The study aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. To identify the personal values of nursing students.
2. To explore how nursing students' personal values influence their academic
performance and behaviors in nursing education.
3. To examine the relationship between personal values, professional values,
and academic performance among nursing students.
4.To explore how personal values impact students' academic performance
and attitudes towards nursing education
5. To determine the correlation between personal values and the
development of professional values among nursing students

C. Scope and Limitations

The focus of the study is to know and explore more about the personal
values of the participants of nursing students enrolled in Bachelor of Science
in Nursing at University of La Salette. The study will use a qualitative
approach and will involve a sample of 15 nursing students.
D. Significance of the Study

This study will help nursing educators understand the role of personal
values in nursing education and how to incorporate these values into the
curriculum to improve student outcomes and patient care.
Also, by understanding nursing students' personal values and their
influence on academic performance, attitudes, and behaviors towards
nursing education, nursing educators can use these insights to enhance the
development of professional values among nursing students and improve
patient care.
Additionally, the findings of the study can serve as an motivation for
future research exploring personal values and professional values in nursing
education.

E. Purpose of the Study

This study aims to explore the role of personal values in the academic
life of nursing students and their relationship with professional values. By
identifying nursing students' personal values and their influence on academic
performance and behaviors in nursing education, nursing educators can use
these insights to enhance the development of professional values among
nursing students and improve patient care.

Additionally, to further understand the relationship between personal

values, professional values, and academic life and identify how educators
can incorporate these values into the curriculum to develop and enhance
professional values among nursing students.
 CHAPTER II

A. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDY

The relationship between personal values and academic achievement

of nursing students by Fatemeh Bahrami et al… This study examined the
relationship between personal values and academic achievement of nursing
students in Iran. The study used the Schwartz Value Survey to measure the
personal values of 300 nursing students. The results showed that there was
a significant positive correlation between academic achievement and values
of Self-direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security,
Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence, and Universalism.

The impact of personal values on nursing students’ clinical

performance: A qualitative study by Seyedeh Fatemeh Vasegh Rahimparvar
et al… This study explored the impact of personal values on nursing
students’ clinical performance in Iran. The study used a qualitative approach
and conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 nursing students and 10
clinical instructors. The data were analyzed using conventional content
analysis. The results revealed four main themes: personal values as a
facilitator of clinical performance, personal values as a barrier to clinical
performance, personal values as a source of conflict in clinical settings, and
personal values as a guide for clinical decision making.

Personal Values and Moral Reasoning of Baccalaureate Nursing

Students by Mary Ann Dumas et al… This study investigated the personal
values and moral reasoning of baccalaureate nursing students in the United
States. The study used the Rokeach Value Survey and the Defining Issues
Test to measure the personal values and moral reasoning of 120 nursing
students. The results showed that nursing students valued Terminal values
such as A Comfortable Life, Happiness, Health, and Self-respect more than
Instrumental values such as Ambition, Courage, Honesty, and Responsibility.
The results also showed that nursing students had a moderate level of moral
reasoning, with a mean score of 36.8 on the Defining Issues Test.
 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A. Research Design
The proposed research will use a qualitative approach to explore the
role of personal values in the academic life of nursing students. The study
will adopt a descriptive design, which will allow the researcher to describe
the phenomena under investigation and gain an in-depth understanding of
the experiences of nursing students in relation to their personal values.

B. Sample and Sampling Procedure

The study will involve 15 nursing students who are currently enrolled
at the University of La Salette. The students will be selected through
purposive sampling, which will ensure that the participants are
representative of the target population.

C. Data Gathering Procedure

The data will be collected through individual semi-structured interviews
with the participants. The interviews will be conducted in a private setting.
The interviews will focus on exploring the participants' personal values, their
experiences in nursing school, and how their personal values influence their
academic life.

D. Research Instrument
The primary instrument for data collection will be a semi-structured
interview guide. The guide will be designed to explore the research questions
and will be pre-tested with a small group of nursing students to ensure that
it is clear, concise, and relevant. The interview guide will be divided into
three sections: personal values, academic experiences, and the role of
personal values in academic life. The guide will be used to facilitate the
interviews and to ensure that all relevant topics are covered.
 CHAPTER IV
A. Result and Dicussion
1.Identification of personal values:
The study could reveal that nursing students possess various personal
values, including empathy, compassion, integrity, respect, accountability,
patience,determination,freedom,and independence, adaptability, empathy,
kindness, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, emotional stability, empathy, and
compassion,politeness, self-discipline, respect, and being responsible,
compassion, empathy, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment,
openness to change and respect, altruism, autonomy, human dignity,
integrity, honesty and social justice, integrity, empathy, compassion,
professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. These values may be shaped by
students' upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences.
2.Influence of personal values on academic performance and
behaviors:
The study might find that students with strong personal values tend to
demonstrate better academic performance, increased self-discipline, and
higher levels of motivation. They might also be more likely to engage in
collaborative learning and exhibit better communication skills. Personal
values influence the learning approaches of students, it is significantly
influencing the character that individuals play within their learning. It guides
in making decisions and attitudes towards their education.
3.Relationship between personal values, professional values, and
academic performance:
The findings could indicate a positive correlation between personal
values and professional values, as well as between personal values and
academic performance. For example, students who value compassion and
empathy may be more likely to adopt professional values such as patient-
centered care and cultural competence there is a perceived relationship
between personal values, professional values, and academic performance,
with personal values playing a vital role in shaping both professional
development and academic success.
4.Impact of personal values on academic performance and attitudes
towards nursing education:
The study could show that students with well-defined personal values
may have more positive attitudes towards their nursing education and be
more engaged in their learning process. This engagement might translate
into better academic performance and increased satisfaction with their
educational experiences. The values of strong work ethic, commitment to
the field, hard work, dedication, and desire help to balance academic and
personal lives of each students.
5.Correlation between personal values and the development of
professional values:
The results might suggest that students who possess strong personal
values are more likely to develop and adhere to professional values, as they
view their chosen profession as an extension of their core beliefs. The
responses from the nursing students respondents indicate that they perceive
a strong correlation between personal values and the development of
professional values. They believe that personal values shape their behavior
and decision-making in patient care, and they consider values such as
empathy, integrity, and compassion as essential in the nursing profession.
The students see their personal values as integral to their academic and
professional development, as these values guide them in providing patient-
centered care and building therapeutic relationships with their patients.
 CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
A. Summary
This research study employs a qualitative approach to investigate the
role of personal values in the academic life of nursing students. Recognizing
the significance of personal values in shaping individuals' beliefs, attitudes,
and behaviors, the study seeks to understand how these values influence
nursing students' experiences and decision-making processes within their
academic context.
The research begins by establishing a theoretical framework that
underscores the importance of personal values in guiding individuals' actions
and choices. It explores existing literature on personal values and their
relevance to the field of nursing education. The study acknowledges that
personal values can impact students' motivation, engagement, ethical
decision-making, and overall satisfaction with their academic journey.
Using a qualitative research design, the study employs interviews,
focus groups, or open-ended questionnaires to gather rich and detailed data
from nursing students. The participants are encouraged to reflect on their
personal values, how they perceive the alignment or conflict between their
values and the academic environment, and how these values influence their
academic experiences and decision-making.
Thematic analysis is applied to the collected data to identify recurring
patterns, themes, and insights related to the role of personal values in
nursing students' academic life. The research aims to uncover the range of
values that are important to nursing students, such as compassion, integrity,
respect, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth. It also explores the
interplay between personal values and various aspects of the academic
journey, including classroom experiences, clinical placements, ethical
dilemmas, and interactions with peers and faculty members.
The findings of the study shed light on the significance of personal
values in nursing students' academic experiences. They reveal how personal
values act as guiding principles, influencing students' decision-making
processes, ethical judgments, and choices in academic and clinical settings.
The research also uncovers potential conflicts or challenges that students
may face when their personal values are misaligned with institutional or
professional expectations.
 Based on the research findings, the study offers practical implications
for nursing education and student support. It emphasizes the importance of
creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment that respects and
acknowledges students' personal values. It suggests the integration of
personal values discussions and reflections within the nursing curriculum,
promoting self-awareness, ethical sensitivity, and professional identity
development.
In conclusion, this qualitative research study contributes to the
understanding of the role of personal values in the academic life of nursing
students. By exploring the interplay between personal values and the
nursing education context, the research highlights the significance of values
in shaping students' experiences, decision-making processes, and ethical
reasoning. The findings provide valuable insights for nursing educators,
administrators, and policymakers seeking to enhance the educational
journey of nursing students while nurturing their personal and professional
growth.

B. Conclusion

B. recommendation

Based on these hypothetical findings, the following recommendations could

be made:
1. Incorporate personal values exploration and development into nursing
education curricular to help students better understand their own values and
how they relate to their chosen profession.

2. Encourage nursing educators to create a supportive learning environment

that fosters the development of personal and professional values, as well as
the cultivation of skills necessary for academic success.
3. Provide opportunities for nursing students to engage in self-reflection and
self-assessment to better understand the influence of their personal values
on their academic performance and professional development.

4. Develop strategies to help students with weaker personal values to

strengthen their understanding and commitment to the core principles of
nursing, promoting their academic success and professional growth.

5. Conduct further research to better understand the role of personal values

in nursing education and the ways in which they can be developed and
nurtured in students throughout their academic journey.