Philosophy Statement From Msonin In Accordance With The Miss

Philosophy Statement From Msonin Accordance With The Mission And The C

Philosophy Statement from MSON in accordance with the mission and the core values of the University of Detroit Mercy, the faculty of the McAuley School of Nursing (MSON) promotes a values-based education that fosters the spiritual, intellectual, social, and psychological growth of the learner. The faculty is committed to the service of faith and social justice and compassionate, competent nursing care especially for vulnerable populations. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the foundation for professional nursing practice and for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this reflection paper is to explore my service learning experience at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, where I participated in preparing and serving breakfast to homeless individuals, including reformed drug offenders. Engaging in this activity provided me with valuable insights into the realities faced by vulnerable populations and deepened my understanding of core nursing concepts such as patient-centered care and effective communication within healthcare teams.

During the service, I worked alongside Dawn, the coordinator, to prepare breakfast for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tasks included breaking eggs, setting up trays with sausage, preparing baggies with condiments and utensils, and setting tables. The event took place over two mornings, each lasting three hours. Observing the environment, I perceived that many of these individuals might only have access to one hot meal a day through this program, emphasizing the importance of such services in community health.

My perceptions were colored by feelings of discomfort due to the number of people gathered outside and inside the church lobby. As a female, I felt uneasy about the security, leading my friend to drop me off at the door. This experience made me realize the importance of safety and trust in community nursing, where nurses often serve in unpredictable environments and must prioritize patient safety and well-being.

Two key concepts from the NUR 2100 course that relate to this experience are patient-centered care and teamwork/communication. Patient-centered care involves respecting individual preferences, needs, and values, which I observed through engaging directly with the homeless individuals. Recognizing their dignity and unique circumstances is essential in providing effective nursing care, especially in community settings where patients may feel disempowered or marginalized. This experience underscored how delivering care rooted in respect and compassion can foster trust and promote health outcomes.

Similarly, teamwork and communication are fundamental in nursing. The collaborative effort required to prepare and serve food efficiently highlighted how effective communication among team members enhances service delivery. As future nurses, understanding and practicing clear, empathetic communication within multidisciplinary teams ensures coordinated care and better patient experiences. Working with Dawn demonstrated the importance of leadership and shared responsibility in community health initiatives.

Reflecting on the McAuley School of Nursing's philosophy, the characteristics of Mercy and Jesuit education are exemplified through my service experience. Mercy values, such as compassionate care and social justice, resonate with my engagement with the homeless population, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health. Jesuit characteristics, like service and the pursuit of justice, are reflected in the commitment to serving vulnerable populations and advocating for their needs.

This service learning activity has strengthened my understanding of these characteristics, reinforcing the role of nurses as advocates and compassionate caregivers. It has also highlighted that professional nursing extends beyond clinical skills to encompass advocacy, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice—all vital in fostering equitable health outcomes.

In conclusion, my experience at the breakfast program provided practical insights into foundational nursing concepts such as patient-centered care and effective teamwork. It challenged me to consider the social contexts of health and the importance of creating trusting relationships with diverse populations. Additionally, aligning my service with the Mercy and Jesuit values has deepened my sense of purpose and responsibility as a future nurse dedicated to serving vulnerable communities with compassion and integrity.

References

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• University of Detroit Mercy. (n.d.). Mission and core values. https://udmercy.edu/about/mission.php
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