Philosophy of Nursing
Alicia Hanford
Elms College

Philosophy of Nursing I remember at a young age telling my mother that I wanted to be a nurse just like her, she told me to choose a different path. Her response surprised me but did not stop me from pursuing my dream. I am passionate about being a nurse and what that role means. With recent frustrations with others in this profession I finally understood why my mother told me to choose a different path. I have always believed that being a nurse is an honor, that we are the voice of not only our patients but the communities they come from. When you continually work by those who do not share those beliefs and values it can break you. A nurse that truly cares and understands how important that role in society is and is the type of nurse that continues on regardless of the values of others. Even though at times I saw my mother’s spirit crushed, she never quit, she continued on, many times coming home late because she was grocery shopping for one of her patient’s family. My mother did not want me to follow the same path as her, not because she did not love nursing but because she did not want me to ever feel defeated. My mother taught me what it truly means to be a nurse, that it is a selfless path. Nursing is more than a profession, rather it is a continually evolving role that requires a lifelong commitment to serve.
Core of Nursing
The goal of every nurse is to provide quality care; it is the core of nursing. In order to accomplish this goal, the nurse must have an understanding of what is required of them; understanding that nursing is a continuous movement to strive for the best, to be competent in skills, to be aware of changing practice, patient and community needs and to be an advocate for better living. Knowing what is expected of you to be a nurse allows you to be successful in your career.