What Is A Personal Nursing Philosophy As A Practicing Nurse

What Is A Personal Nursing Philosophyas A Practicing Nurse You No Do

What is a Personal Nursing Philosophy? As a practicing nurse, you no doubt have beliefs and opinions about what nursing means to you. A philosophy of nursing formalizes the beliefs and theories that have shaped your career to date. A written philosophy statement is typically requested for positions in academia as well. A philosophy of nursing outlines values, ethics, and beliefs, and the rationale for becoming and remaining a part of the profession.

The philosophy must cover the nurse's perspective on practice, patient care, ethics, and education. The philosophy must be linked to a Nursing Theorist with whom you can relate. Now that you've nearly completed your BSN, it is important to reflect on how your philosophy may have evolved as well. For this assignment, you will complete a 3–4 page (excluding title and references) APA formatted assignment with the following criteria:

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction: Why did you choose nursing rather than another profession?

My decision to pursue nursing stemmed from a profound desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives through compassionate and competent care. Unlike other healthcare professions, nursing offers a unique blend of scientific knowledge and human connection, allowing me to advocate for patients holistically. The profession's emphasis on caring, empathy, and continuous learning resonated deeply with my values, motivating me to dedicate my career to fostering health and well-being.

Role as a Patient Advocate

I perceive my role as a patient advocate as a moral obligation to ensure that every individual receives respectful, personalized, and equitable care. This involves actively listening to patients' concerns, providing clear information, and supporting their autonomy in decision-making. Advocacy also entails safeguarding their rights, navigating ethical dilemmas, and coordinating resources to promote optimal health outcomes. As a nurse, I see myself as a champion for vulnerable populations, ensuring their voices are heard and their dignity preserved.

Role as an Educator

Education forms a vital component of my nursing role, extending beyond patient teaching to include mentoring colleagues and informing family members. I believe that empowering individuals with knowledge fosters autonomy and better health management. As an educator, I strive to convey complex information in accessible ways, fostering a learning environment that promotes growth and confidence among patients, staff, and families alike. Effective education builds trust and enhances collaborative care, which is essential for positive health outcomes.

Role as a Leader

Leadership in nursing encompasses guiding peers, influencing policy, and shaping healthcare practices at local, state, and national levels. I view myself as a leader who exemplifies integrity, accountability, and compassion, advocating for evidence-based practices and continuous improvement. Whether in my workplace or broader professional arenas, I aim to foster teamwork, inspire ethics, and promote a culture of safety. Strong leadership ensures that nursing remains responsive to evolving patient needs and healthcare challenges.

Identification with a Nursing Theorist

I most closely identify with Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Watson emphasizes the importance of caring, authentic relationships, and holistic treatment in nursing. Her background as a nurse and scholar highlights the profound impact of a caring consciousness, which aligns with my core values. Watson’s tenets include the promotion of a healing environment, the spiritual dimension of care, and the importance of caring moments that foster trust and emotional safety. Her approach underscores the significance of compassionate presence as a transformative power in healing.

Changes in Philosophy from Start of BSN Program to Now

At the beginning of my BSN journey, my philosophy was primarily rooted in biomedical knowledge and technical proficiency. Over time, my perspective has evolved to encompass a holistic view that integrates emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of care. A defining moment was witnessing a patient’s resilience during a crisis, which deepened my understanding of the human spirit’s strength and the nurse’s role in fostering hope. The program has equipped me with critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and leadership abilities—tools I believe will be invaluable in providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

The skills I developed—such as effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice—have empowered me to advocate more effectively and to collaborate as part of multidisciplinary teams. My passion for nursing has solidified, and I envisage my future contributing to healthcare improvements at both the bedside and policy levels, aiming to reduce disparities and elevate standards of care globally.

In sum, my evolving philosophy reflects a commitment to compassionate caring, ethical practice, and ongoing learning—principles I intend to uphold throughout my nursing career and beyond. This reflective growth has reinforced my dedication to making meaningful contributions to the health and dignity of every person I serve.

References

  • Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Addison-Wesley.
  • Cohen, M. Z. (2014). The influence of nursing theory on practice. Nursing Science Quarterly, 27(4), 330-335.
  • Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring (Rev. ed.). University Press of Colorado.
  • Fawcett, J. (2005). Meta-theoretical foundations of nursing: Perspectives on philosophy, knowledge, and practice. F.A. Davis Company.
  • Alligood, M. R. (2018). Nursing theorists and their work (9th ed.). Elsevier.
  • Pelletier, D. (2018). Transformational leadership and nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(3), 197-199.
  • Roy, C. (2009). The Roy Adaptation Model (3rd ed.). Pearson Education.
  • Leininger, M. (1991). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 4(4), 173-180.
  • Travelbee, J. (1971). Interpersonal aspects of nursing. F. A. Davis Company.
  • Meleis, A. I. (2011). Theoretical nursing: Development and progress (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.