Vision, Values and Principles

Values & Principles

The panel developed the following Values & Principles for supporting and strengthening families:

We believe that it is important for nurses to recognize their own assumptions and values about families and cultural beliefs, and adjust their care accordingly.
We believe that families and family relationships are unique and diverse, and that they may change over time.
We believe families should be given sufficient information to make informed decisions.
We believe that families have expert knowledge and skills that help them determine their own needs and respond to expected and unexpected life events.
We believe that partnerships with families are built upon mutual trust, honesty, and collaboration. We suggest, however, that families should participate in care only to the extent that they want to or as much as they are able.
We believe that the use of partnerships as a primary means of supporting and strengthening families increases the likelihood that nurses will follow a family-centred approach to care.
We believe families should be supported in their choices.
We understand that family members and the client may have different and conflicting needs.
We believe that nurses should support family situations in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario's Ethical Framework for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses (College of Nurses of Ontario, 1999).