Philosophy Of Nursing: What Is Your Philosophy When It Comes

Philosophy Of Nursingwhat Is Your Philosophy When It Comes

This assignment requires you to articulate your personal philosophy of nursing, examining how philosophical influences shape your understanding and practice of nursing. You should reflect on the philosophical foundations that influence the profession, how your personal values and experiences inform your perspective, and how your philosophy manifests in your clinical practice. Additionally, you need to explore how philosophical approaches, such as positivism and post-positivism, have influenced nursing science and research methodologies, and how these philosophies are reflected in your own view of nursing. Your paper should demonstrate critical understanding, incorporate scholarly resources, and adhere to APA guidelines. The paper should be 6 to 7 pages long, include at least five references from the provided readings, and be structured with clear level one headings corresponding to the following sections: introduction with purpose statement, articulation of your nursing philosophy, influence of philosophical foundations on practice, relationship between philosophy and knowledge development, impact of positivism and post-positivism on nursing research and your philosophy, and a concluding summary.

Paper For Above instruction

Nursing as a discipline stands at the intersection of science, philosophy, and art, each contributing foundational insights that shape practice and knowledge development. My personal philosophy of nursing integrates these elements, emphasizing holistic patient care, evidence-based practice, and the importance of philosophical reflection in understanding the essence of nursing. Influenced by classical and contemporary philosophical traditions, I believe that nursing is both a science rooted in empirical research and an art driven by compassion and ethical considerations. The following discussion explores these perspectives, their influence on my practice, and the broader philosophical underpinnings shaping the nursing profession.

Articulating My Philosophy of Nursing: Philosophical Influences and Reflective Insights

My philosophy of nursing is deeply rooted in the conceptual framework presented by McEwin and Wills (2014), who emphasize the significance of philosophy in understanding nursing knowledge. I appreciate Florence Nightingale’s realist philosophy, which underscores the importance of empirical observation and scientific rigor—principles that underpin evidence-based practice. Nightingale’s pragmatic approach aligns with the modern emphasis on scientific inquiry while acknowledging the moral obligation nurses hold in promoting health (Porter, 2001).

Additionally, I am influenced by Rorty’s pragmatism, which advocates for a flexible and context-sensitive approach to knowledge, recognizing that truth is provisional and shaped through dialogue and practice (Isaacs et al., 2009). This perspective fosters adaptability and encourages nurses to critically evaluate emerging evidence, integrating it with clinical wisdom to serve patient needs.

My readings this week highlighted the vital role of philosophical inquiry in nursing, reinforcing the importance of reflecting on the epistemologies that inform practice. For example, Kinsella (2010) discussed how reflective practice and philosophical reflection serve as mechanisms for gaining professional knowledge, resonating with my belief that self-awareness and ethical reflection are foundational to competent nursing. These insights elevate my understanding of nursing as a profession rooted not only in scientific knowledge but also in philosophical reasoning.

Influence of Philosophical Foundations on Nursing Practice

Philosophical foundations significantly influence my nursing practice. Firstly, my commitment to holistic care reflects a philosophical stance grounded in the concept of person-centeredness, which emphasizes respecting individual dignity and understanding health within a broader social and cultural context (McEwin & Wills, 2014). This aligns with the humanistic traditions in nursing, which reframe health as more than the absence of disease.

Secondly, my approach to evidence-based practice is informed by the scientific epistemology rooted in positivism and its evolution toward post-positivism. Positivism’s focus on observable, measurable phenomena guides my reliance on quantitative research data to inform clinical decisions, ensuring that interventions are supported by rigorous evidence (Persson & Sahlin, 2008). Yet, I also acknowledge the limitations of a purely positivist approach, recognizing that subjective experiences and social contexts are equally vital, as emphasized by post-positivist approaches that accept provisional truths and the fallibility of knowledge (Trochim, 2006).

In clinical practice, this philosophical grounding manifests in careful assessment, critical thinking, and compassion. For example, when managing a patient with complex chronic conditions, I employ evidence-based protocols while tailoring interventions to the individual’s values and preferences—a reflection of my belief in the importance of contextual and ethical considerations in nursing practice.

The Relationship Between Philosophy and Knowledge Development

Philosophy serves as the foundation for knowledge development in nursing by shaping the ways in which nurses understand, acquire, and apply knowledge. According to McEwin and Wills (2014), philosophical questions about the nature of reality (ontology), the nature of knowledge (epistemology), and values (axiology) underpin nursing theories and research methodologies. My own nursing philosophy demonstrates this connection through my emphasis on integrating empirical evidence with ethical and experiential insights.

Research methods in nursing are deeply influenced by philosophical assumptions. Quantitative research, aligned with positivist viewpoints, seeks to uncover objective truths through measurement and statistical analysis, fostering the development of generalizable knowledge. In contrast, qualitative methods reflect a post-positivist or interpretivist stance, emphasizing understanding subjective experiences and social meanings (Gray et al., 2017). My philosophy incorporates both approaches, demonstrating a pragmatic epistemology that appreciates the strengths of each method for building comprehensive nursing knowledge.

This integration is evident in my practice, where I value evidence but also recognize the importance of patient narratives and cultural context—earning trust and personalizing care, which are essential components of holistic nursing.

Impact of Positivism and Post-Positivism on Nursing Science and Personal Philosophy

Positivism has historically shaped nursing science by emphasizing empirical measurement, objectivity, and the pursuit of universal laws applicable to health and illness (Persson, 2010). Nursing research grounded in positivist principles has led to significant advances in clinical interventions, health promotion, and disease prevention. However, the limitations of strict positivism—such as neglecting subjective and contextual factors—have prompted shifts towards post-positivist perspectives, which accept the provisional and fallible nature of scientific knowledge (Trochim, 2006).

In my personal philosophy, I embrace this evolutionary understanding, recognizing that scientific knowledge is continually refined and should be integrated with experiential and contextual insights. For example, I advocate for mixed-methods research to capture both quantifiable outcomes and patients’ lived experiences, thereby enriching nursing knowledge and practice (Mackay, 2009).

This dual perspective enhances my approach as a nurse, enabling me to adapt interventions based on robust evidence while respecting individual uniqueness. It also encourages me to remain critically reflective and open to new evidence, aligning with the post-positivist view of an ever-evolving knowledge base.

Conclusion

In summary, my philosophy of nursing is characterized by an integration of scientific rigor, philosophical reflection, and compassion. Influenced by Nightingale’s empirical approach and Rorty’s pragmatism, I believe that nursing requires both evidence-based interventions and a nuanced understanding of human experience. The philosophical foundation of nursing influences my practice by emphasizing holistic, person-centered care and fostering a continuous commitment to knowledge development. Recognizing the contributions and limitations of positivism and post-positivism allows me to adopt a pragmatic stance that values multiple epistemologies, ultimately enhancing the quality and responsiveness of care I provide. As nursing continues to evolve, a robust philosophical grounding remains essential for advancing both scientific inquiry and compassionate practice.

References

• Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). Saunders Elsevier.
• Isaacs, S., Ploeg, J., & Tompkins, C. (2009). How can Rorty help nursing science in the development of a philosophical ‘foundation’? Nursing Philosophy, 10(2), 81-90. doi:10.1111/j. X.2008.00364.x
• Kinsella, E. A. (2010). Professional knowledge and the epistemology of reflective practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 3-14. doi:10.1111/j. X.2009.00428.x
• Mackay, M. (2009). Why nursing has not embraced the clinician-scientist role. Nursing Philosophy, 10(4), doi:10.1111/j. X.2009.00416.x
• McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
• Persson, J. (2010). Misconceptions of positivism and five unnecessary science theoretic mistakes they bring in their train. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 47(5), doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.12.009
• Porter, S. (2001). Nightingale’s realist philosophy of science. Nursing Philosophy, 2(1), 14-25. doi:10.1046/j. X.2001.00029.x
• Trochim, W. (2006). Research methods knowledge base: Positivism & post-positivism. Retrieved from