...Philosophy and Personal Profile: A Reflective Statement on My Philosophy of Nursing Since the beginning of time, men and women have engaged in the search for reality and truth and this search is called philosophy. Nursing philosophy examines the relationship between truth and ideals of nursing. Nursing philosophy can be individual or it can be global according to (Edwards, S.D 1997). Individual philosophies belong specifically to the nurses and reflect the nurse’s values, logic, morals and ethics and global philosophy is dynamic and changes over time and with circumstances. It is influenced by the era and the environment in which it is practiced. When philosophy is applied in health it becomes both individual and personal. Health is a dynamic state in which the individual is constantly adapting to changes in the internal and external environment. “A state of health is viewed as a point existing on a continuum from wellness to illness” says (June K.F (1997). The meaning of health varies with the perception of each human being. The purpose of the healthcare delivery system is to assist individuals in achieving their optimal wellness, a state of healing by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that is sensitive to both environmental resources and constraints. Now this is where nursing comes in the forefront of wellness approach, we have to see individuals and treat them with holistic approach in other to achieve...
Words: 391 - Pages: 2
...Philosophy in Life and Philosophy in Nursing Submitted by: Ralph Daniel C. Nolasco, RN Submitted to: Ms. Pinky Miriam D. Canlas, RN, MAN Philosophy in Life In this life on earth, we are the choices we make. Choices we make and the path we chose to take is superior to the so called “destiny” or “fate”. But still, destiny is destiny, because we make our own from the choices we make. Life is a series of choices; we could always choose the best. Mistaken choices were normally made by people when they choose between what they “want” and what they “need”. “Wants” are those things or choices that make people happy, but usually it is only temporary and could possibly cause harm or a negative outcome in the end. “Needs” are the necessities to live a healthy and peaceful life. Education is just an example of a need. As we all experienced the student life, we tend to miss our lives by neglecting education for sometime in exchange for doing something we just want. Some regret their neglect their chance to educate themselves for their own future when they realize it that they almost lost their life by pursuing what they want and not able to see what they need. Time is very much important; make the most out of it. The time we wasted is not “wasted time” because most of the time, we learned the most out of it, the experiences in it. In life, as long as there is time, it is never too late. Time would not stop for us. It is our call to do something good or just let the clock tick...
Words: 649 - Pages: 3
...Nursing Philosophy Laura K NURS 391 March 10, 2014 Sharon Thompson, RN MSN/MBA-HCM Nursing Philosophy Introduction “Philosophies of nursing are statements of beliefs about nursing and expressions of values in nursing that are used as bases for thinking and acting,” (Chitty & Black, 2010). Having a personal nursing philosophy can help one provide better nursing care, as well as provide an outline for living one’s personal life. Developing a personal nursing philosophy requires reflection on how one feels about nursing within four categories; personal health, patient’s health, patient’s families, and fellow healthcare professionals. Personal Health As healthcare professionals, registered nurses (RN) can be viewed as role models for personal health behaviors. Attempting to teach a patient about the adverse effects smoking has on one’s health can be more than challenging if the RN smells like smoke, or has visible cigarettes in their pocket. This RN has observed this behavior in others and has difficulty understanding these actions. Nurses are more aware than the average person of the consequences of smoking, obesity, drinking, or drug use, but research has shown that “in spite of nurses’ knowledge, no difference exists between the health behaviors of nurses and those of the general population,” (Chitty & Black, 2010, pg. 290). This author has strong beliefs and opinions about smoking, drinking, and drug use, but does struggle daily with eating healthy and...
Words: 1026 - Pages: 5
...Personal Philosophy of Nursing Cindy Lucas Jacksonville University November 12, 2012 Personal Philosophy of Nursing The nursing profession is not just a job, it is a higher calling. The amount of work, time, and emotion that goes into nursing practice holds nurses to a much higher standard than the average nine to five office job. Nurses must be proficient in a background of anatomy, physiology, and the way drugs and diseases work. Nurses must also combine that knowledge with sharp critical thinking skills and an unconditional compassion for humankind. While every nurse is unique in their own way, I hope the values that I have in my daily living can affect the way I conduct myself while on duty as a practicing nurse. The same theme seems evident in most nursing philosophies; caring, health and wellbeing, environment, and clinical excellence through education. As I contemplate what my philosophy of nursing is I have discovered that I also incorporate these aspects of nursing into my own personal values of what I believe it is to be a nurse. My personal belief system has always been that a nurse should possess strong ethical and moral values, a passion for caring, and a commitment to lifelong education. Ethical and Moral values One of the greatest challenges in nursing is how to integrate appropriately one’s own values and beliefs into the professional practice. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient and the patient’s family. Patient respect, advocacy...
Words: 1450 - Pages: 6
...Nursing philosophy “identifies what is believed to be the basic or central phenomena of the discipline, relates nursing to a particular world view, and provides some information on how one may come to learn about the world”. (p. 13, Salsberry, 2008). My personal philosophy of nursing evolved over the years and includes my observations, beliefs, thoughts, and practices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss my personal philosophy of nursing and the personal and professional experiences that have contributed to the development of my view of nursing. Nineteen ninety-four was a significant year for me; it was the year I began volunteering at the local children's hospital. I read books to children from ages four to fourteen which brought a smile to their face and to mine. Not only did I want to make these kids feel better, but I also wanted them to see that their illness, whether short term or long term, did not define who they are or what they could become. So, I used my skills as an educator to mentor them as they continued their schoolwork while they were in the hospital. Bringing together education and healing was a life-changing experience that made me realize that nursing is my true calling. Traditionally, nurses were viewed as caregivers. In today’s world, image of nursing profession changes as nurses play many other roles such as patient’s advocates, educators, managers, team members, facilitators, and experts. (Zerwekh, 2006). I believe that caring is a foundation of...
Words: 791 - Pages: 4
...My Personal Nursing Philosophy Hope G. Slate Fresno Pacific University NURS/310 August 27, 2012 Brenda Laing, R.N., M.S.N., F.N.P. Abstract “Nursing theories are the creative products of nurses who seek (or sought) to thoughtfully describe the many aspects of nursing in ways that could be studied, evaluated, and used by other nurses. Theories provide structure and order for guiding and improving professional practice, teaching and learning activities, and research.” (Sitzman, 2011) In this paper I will explore nursing theories. I will examine my own personal nursing philosophy based on reading of theorists, personal values and my own personal experiences. Everyone has values, ideas, and beliefs that are unique and different from others. I am challenged to seek and understand how I incorporate my own values into the professional practice. The professional values that guide nurses as listed in (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008), are as follows: Altruism, Autonomy, Human Dignity, Integrity, and Social Justice. My Personal Nursing Philosophy As I attempt to present my own personal nursing philosophy, I contemplate. I close my eyes; dig deeply into my soul as I search for an answer. My heart feels warm and my mind is overwhelmed. Having had many years of working in the nursing profession I have many of experiences. I am challenged to narrow and express my philosophy. I believe that first one must decide what philosophy means to them...
Words: 1811 - Pages: 8
...Nursing Philosophy Essay Transition to the BSN Role To cut to the chase, so to speak, I have never had any other thought of what I want to be when I ‘grew up’, other than that of a nurse. I apologize in advance, as I am certain my essay’s opening statement mimics that of many you have read before. My childhood experiences from having sutures placed after a nasty fall, a tonsillectomy and having arthroscopic knee surgery all left such a strong impression on me as a child, that I simply never considered any other path. Instead of playing house or any other games, I played hospital. I envisioned myself as the nice, cheerful and comforting nurses that took care of me, as well as my parents. I believe many of us in the profession have some commonality amongst us that bonds us and make us the great nurses we are, because we truly love what we do. With that being said, with this paper, I will discuss nursing definition and my philosophy of the nursing profession. The definition of what nursing is, is quite the hot topic lately. In light of the controversial incident on the television show, The View, there is much publicity on our profession at the moment, The basis of this controversy is the hosts critiqued a monologue by a Miss America contestant. In lieu of the traditional talent performance during the pageant, her spoken monologue described her profession as a nurse and what it meant to her, As part of the controversy, her representation of nursing as...
Words: 853 - Pages: 4
...Jyothi Siju My philosophy of nursing I believe that nursing is much more than a career that we train for in order to earn a living. I do not think that a truly good nurse goes into the profession because of the stability that it offers. A truly good nurse is drawn to the profession because of the skills and compassion that she can offer to it. The desire to be a caring person who strives to help the human race is not learned, but inherent. Therefore, nursing must be done by those who have the overwhelming desire to improve the world by caring for those who cannot care for themselves. The nurse is the person on whom the patient depends. She is there when the patient wakes up, when he takes medications, when he needs assistance during the day, and when he wakes up in the middle of the night due to discomfort. She is the person that the patient must trust fully if he is to recover well. A trustworthy nurse must demonstrate competence respect, compassion and sympathy. I do not think that a nurse can be effective without these elements. How well a nurse can administer an injection is, of course, essential. But her technical skills are not the only things of importance. How she interacts with her patient, which is encompassed in the art of nursing, is critical as well. Skills without compassion create an unsuccessful nurse. As a result, only those with a true love for helping others can become effective in this field. Beyond having these...
Words: 576 - Pages: 3
...It is true that Nursing is a practice discipline that incorporates scientific and nonscientific knowledge originating from scholarly inquiry. To understand nursing one must understand the concepts, theories, and laws that are ever constant and evolving at the same time (Kelly Patricia, 2012). This understanding will inform practice. According to Simpao, A. F. (2013) “The theory framework of nursing science is built in a dynamic process that arises from practice and is reproduced through research, mainly by analysis and development of concepts and theories” (p. 56). Therefore, theory, research, and practice affect each other reciprocally and continuously. A nursing theory is a set of concepts, definitions, relationships, and assumptions or propositions derived from nursing models or from other disciplines and project a purposive, systematic view of phenomena by designing specific inter-relationships among concepts for the purposes of describing, explaining, predicting, and /or prescribing. Theories as a set of interrelated concepts that give a systematic view of a phenomenon (an observable fact or event) that is explanatory and predictive in nature. Theories are composed of concepts, definitions, models, propositions and are based on assumptions. They are derived through two principal methods; Deductive reasoning and Inductive reasoning. According to Buchanan Ernestine, (2011) “Nursing has come a long way since the days of Florence Nightingale and her pioneering actions that...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...Running Head: PERSONAL NURSING PHILOSOPHY PERSONAL NURSING PHILOSOPHY Nicole Gruber Waynesburg College RN-BSN Program NUR 226 January 24, 2006 If someone told me ten years ago I was to become a nurse, I would have never believed them. I was grossed out by blood and other body fluids, and I was afraid of needle. Before graduating from high school, I took a job as a dietary aide in a local hospital. I got to deliver patient trays and help set them up, but slowly and surely I wanted more. I wanted to help feed the patients who needed assistance, and I felt the desire to do so grow in my heart each day. Thus, my nursing career began, and here I am five years later. In the past, I when imagined a nurses role in my head, I thought of a cute little nurse outfit and a stethoscope. Now, being a nurse myself, I know the truth. Nursing is not something glamorous and stunning, but is made out to be by the way nurses are portrayed in the media. I think that the general idea of caring and compassion has been passed down from the original early practices of nursing. There have been many technological advances, but caring is still the main idea of nursing. Characteristics in today’s nurses are many, but I think one powerful characteristic is strong work ethic. This can be harmful though, due to the fact of nurses experiencing burnout. America is filled with citizens that neglect their body by overworking themselves in daily life...
Words: 429 - Pages: 2
...Abstract This paper discourses my nursing philosophy and the ways the ANA Standards of Professional Performance has influenced over my career. It further dissects the standards of practice by using a chronic disease, congestive heart failure. Details about my 5 year career plan and what I intend to accomplish is explored. I chose to discuss what the role of an advocate as a professional nurse and which set of skills are required for it. My strengths and the area that is needed to improve are identified. There are two examples of what can reinforce my nursing skills and how the ANA Standards of Professional Performance influences it. It is concluded by my understanding the nursing profession. Professional Role Development My understanding of the nursing practice is more focused on my patients’ safety and doing what is most beneficial to my patient. It is necessary to explore our own personal values deep within ourselves and realize principles that will guide our nursing practice. My philosophy of nursing joins the knowledge of nursing practice with spiritual, interpersonal, and compassionate care which takes into consideration each patients individual dignity. Spirituality is a concern in how we define ourselves as individuals and seek meaning and purpose in this life. It influences how we deal with obstacles and how we relate not only to ourselves, but also to others. Nursing is more than what people just assume, it is more than administering medications; rather...
Words: 2330 - Pages: 10
...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...
Words: 1035 - Pages: 5
... Houston Philosophy of Nursing Toi Houston The University of Texas School of Nursing In partial fulfillment of the requirements of Professional Nursing A & B NURS 3645 Jeanean Boyd, MSN, RN June 6, 2011 Online RN-BSN Nursing is a profession that is very complicated and complex. It is exciting and has so many levels to it that one can actually never get bored with it. Most times when people think about nursing they only think about someone who adjusts your pillow and calls the doctor when things go wrong. Nursing is so much deeper than that and I am still learning that fact. In this paper, I will explain why I chose nursing and where I think I will be in the next ten years. Choice of nursing I can still remember when I was twelve years old, my grandmother living with us because of her “hardening of the arteries” as my mom said. I would come home from school and I would have to make sure she ate and was not wet from forgetting to use the bathroom. That experience stuck with me for a long time, and even though I vowed I would never be a nurse like my mother, I ended up wanting to be just that. I chose nursing because I feel I have a natural feeling to help someone that is ill or hurt. I want to do what I can to make sure someone is not in pain. I became a nurse in 1996 as a LPN and then waited four years before I went back to school for my AND in 1999. I have not regretted that decision to this day. Essence of Nursing I feel the...
Words: 1048 - Pages: 5
...Philosophy of Nursing Jasmine R. McLendon University of North Carolina at Charlotte As one enters into the profession of nursing, it is important for them to identify and understand their own personal values and principles that will guide them throughout their nursing career. Nursing is the compassionate care provided to an individual by someone who understands their disease process and who is able to construct an effective plan of care for that individual. Apart from knowledge of medicine, there are vital characteristics that a nurse must possess in order to be effective in their plan of care for patients. My philosophy of nursing incorporates three characteristics that I feel are vital to superior nursing care. In this paper I will express the values I feel are necessary when providing care for patients. In order to be an effective nurse, I feel that one must have remarkable communication skills, they have to be a good listener, they must have an inordinate sense of empathy, and they must possess patient advocacy. If one lacks in any of these areas, then their knowledge of just medicine is meaningless and their patient care will be ineffective. In regards to the nature of human beings, people rely on trustful and understanding relationships. These relationships require a nurse to have remarkable communication skills. According to Whitehead, communication is integral to a nurse’s ability to develop a therapeutic relationship with patients/clients. Communication is...
Words: 1035 - Pages: 5
...Philosophy of Nursing The environment in which the patients are in plays a big role in their healing process. Florence Nightingale founded her nursing theory and philosophy on enhancing environmental factors to improve the patients overall health, healing and well-being. Nightingale's attention to environment has added significance to the role environmental conditions play in human health status (Shaner, 2006). In Nightingale’s book, Notes of Nursing, she reflects on how air and water quality, noise, light, and diet and nutrition enhance the healing process. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is similar to Nightingale’s theory of nursing. They both believed that one’s basic needs must be met before they could achieve an optimal level of functioning. I believe that a noisy, uncomfortable environment, along with an unappealing diet will make the patient miserable and uncomfortable. When one is miserable and uncomfortable, it makes it very difficult to achieve a successful outcome. Nightingale believed that her nursing career was a calling from God. She utilized her attributes of love, compassion and veracity to promote quality care of the patient. Nightingale proved to be a provider of care, as she integrated holistic human needs in the provision of safe and effective nursing care. The holistic approach to medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body. I thoroughly believe that a person’s social, mental, and physical conditions all contribute to the healing process...
Words: 723 - Pages: 3
