Collegeaues Post: My Nursing Philosophy I Feel Has Changed
Collegeaues Post1 My Nursing Philosophy I Feel Has Changed Over Tim
My nursing philosophy has evolved over time through accumulated experience and education. Coming from a large family of nurses, I was initially rooted in a strong sense of caring and dedication to providing the best care possible to individuals. Early in my career, my focus was on treating patients with compassion and doing everything within my abilities to ensure their comfort and well-being. Over time, I have learned that nursing extends beyond exceptional individual care; it requires a holistic understanding of the patient as a whole person, considering all factors that influence health outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reinforced this perspective, highlighting the importance of addressing various social, mental, and environmental determinants that impact patient health. The Institute of Medicine’s vision for patient-centered care—with its emphasis on collaboration and multi-disciplinary approaches—aligns with my evolving philosophy. Recognizing that nursing does not adhere to a single dominant philosophy, but rather encompasses diverse perspectives, underscores the complexity and multidimensional nature of the profession. This understanding has pushed me to embrace nuanced, patient-specific care approaches that recognize the variability and interconnectedness of health factors.
My current area of expertise is leadership, and I believe that demonstrating empathy and understanding within my team is vital. Florence Nightingale’s foundational philosophy of holistic and comprehensive care continues to influence my practice, emphasizing the importance of creating optimal conditions for health through thoughtful, patient-centered interventions (Cheraghi et al., 2019). My early experiences in emergency settings exposed me to diverse health issues and community needs, shaping my professional development. These experiences have motivated me to pursue higher education, aiming to serve broader populations with cultural competence and evidence-based practices.
Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, I aspire to deepen my understanding of cultural biases, diversity, and social determinants affecting health. Working at the VA Medical Center, caring for veterans with complex mental health and financial challenges, underscores the need for holistic, empathetic, and comprehensive care. I plan to leverage my advanced education to influence social change, policy development, and healthcare satisfaction—fostering improvements that benefit vulnerable populations (Sibandze & Scafide, 2018).
Higher education in nursing correlates with increased professional morals and critical thinking abilities, equipping nurses to lead change effectively (Sibandze & Scafide, 2018). As a Walden University DNP student, I am committed to collaborative learning and support, aspiring to contribute positively to my peers and the healthcare community by promoting evidence-based practices and advocating for reforms that address healthcare disparities. Ultimately, I believe that advanced nursing education empowers nurses to be effective change agents who can shape policies and improve patient outcomes through research, leadership, and advocacy (McEwen & Wills, 2019).
Sample Paper For Above instruction
My nursing philosophy has undergone significant transformation throughout my career, influenced by years of experience, education, and personal growth. Initially grounded in the core values of compassion, dedication, and individual patient care, my philosophy has expanded to encompass a more holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based approach. This evolution aligns with my ongoing pursuit of advanced education, particularly through my enrollment in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which aims to enrich my understanding of healthcare complexities and elevate my role within the profession.
From the outset, I was deeply influenced by my family’s nursing background, which instilled in me a strong appreciation for the importance of caring for others. Early roles, such as working in emergency departments, exposed me to diverse patient populations and acute health issues, reinforcing the necessity of compassionate care combined with clinical competence. Over time, I realized that effective nursing requires an understanding of the patient as a whole person—considering social, emotional, spiritual, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. This realization was solidified during the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed how external factors significantly impact patient resilience and recovery.
The foundational philosophies of Nightingale and contemporary nursing theories emphasize holistic, comprehensive care. Nightingale’s emphasis on environmental conditions and overall well-being remains a guiding principle in my practice (Cheraghi et al., 2019). As I have progressed professionally, I have sought to integrate evidence-based practices, cultural competence, and leadership strategies to improve patient outcomes and team dynamics. The recognition that nursing lacks a singular philosophy but instead embraces a spectrum of philosophies allows for a tailored approach to patient care, respecting individual needs and preferences.
My current focus on leadership underscores the importance of understanding, empathizing with, and supporting both patients and healthcare teams. Working within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, I care for veterans with complex health challenges, including mental health and socioeconomic issues. This environment requires a holistic lens that considers mental health, social support systems, and financial stability as integral to healing and recovery. In this context, I am committed to advocating for patients by addressing social determinants of health and promoting equitable care.
The pursuit of a DNP degree aligns with my goal to influence healthcare policies and practices. Evidence indicates that nurses with higher education levels demonstrate increased critical thinking skills and moral decision-making capacities, enabling them to lead positive change (Sibandze & Scafide, 2018). I intend to utilize this advanced knowledge to foster policy reforms, improve clinical protocols, and engage in community outreach initiatives. My objective is to serve as a catalyst for social change, advocating for vulnerable populations and working towards health equity.
In addition to personal and professional development, I aim to utilize my education to promote interprofessional collaboration and cultural competence. During clinical experiences in diverse communities, I observed firsthand how cultural understanding enhances the quality of care. Incorporating this perspective into my practice ensures that care delivery is respectful, individualized, and effective. As a future DNP-prepared nurse, I will champion these values within my organization and influence others to adopt a patient-centered, holistic approach.
In conclusion, my evolving nursing philosophy is centered on providing compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care that addresses the full spectrum of patient needs. Advanced education and leadership roles enable me to contribute to systemic improvements and advocate for social justice in healthcare. I am committed to lifelong learning, continuous growth, and making meaningful impacts that enhance patient outcomes and promote health equity across diverse populations.
References
- Cheraghi, F., Yousefzadeh, M. R., & Goodarzi, A. (2019). The role and status of philosophy in nursing knowledge, insight and competence. Journal of Clinical Research in Paramedical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.5812/jcrps.90762
- McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Sibandze, B. T., & Scafide, K. N. (2018). Among nurses, how does education level impact professional values? A systematic review. International Nurses Review, 65(1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12390
- Other scholarly references to support the content...