Which core value is defined as advocating and protecting resources entrusted in our care through service, dedication, and enthusiasm?

• A. Stewardship
• B. Organizational Citizenship
• C. Nursing Innovation
• D. Caring

Answer: (A)

Stewardship centers on being responsible for the resources placed in our care, and doing so with service, dedication, and enthusiasm. It means advocating for what patients need, safeguarding supplies, time, equipment, financial resources, and information, and using them wisely so they’re available for current and future patients. This value recognizes accountability and the active role a nurse plays in protecting the integrity of resources, avoiding waste, and speaking up when resources are at risk or misused.

That’s why it’s the best fit: it directly describes protecting and advocating for resources entrusted to us, with an engaged, proactive attitude. Caring focuses on compassion and relationships; nursing innovation highlights new ideas and methods; organizational citizenship involves discretionary efforts to benefit the organization beyond formal duties—areas that don’t specifically capture the resource-protection and advocacy emphasis of stewardship.