Philosophy of Nursing
Sonceria Roper
Prairie View
Nursing Science and Complex Systems
NURS 7013
Vivian Dawkins, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
February 11, 2015

Philosophy of Nursing

Nursing philosophy is an examination of personal truths as they relate to clinical practice. They encompass values, principles, and assumptions held by an individual. Personal nursing philosophies are shaped by the nurse’s education, clinical experiences, cultural, and even spiritual beliefs. My personal nursing philosophy centers on patient empowerment. It is the belief that patients should be in control of their own care and that can only be achieved when patients internalize their need for self-change (McCarley, 2009). I belief in helping the patient be an advocate for themselves. Nurses should be providing a holistic approach while providing care. In this paper we will explore my assumptions and the concepts that not only define my philosophy, but shape my practice.
I have found in my practice that we are not only treating patients, but their families, and the communities in which they dwell. For example, a 43 year old male patient comes into the clinic for a sick visit. His social history states that he works at a major airport and is married with two small children at home. The medical history includes hyperlipidemia, but otherwise he’s healthy. After assessing the patient, he is diagnosed with Influenza A. My job is to educate him on his symptom management and how he can prevent spreading influenza to his family and co-workers. So what do patients, families, and communities need? They need health promotion, preventative care, access to resources, and most importantly education. Education is the best way to empower people so that they can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. When nurses incorporate patient education into the patient’s plan of care,