Philosophy of Nursing

Chapter 3

Philosophy of Nursing

Philosophy

• Investigation of the nature, causes, or

principles of reality, knowledge, or values,

based on logical reasoning

• A system of thought based on such inquiry

• Critical analysis of fundamental assumptions

or beliefs

• A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular

field or activity; an underlying theory

Perspectives of Truth

• Classical philosophers

• Theocratics

• Empiricists

• Rationalists

• Idealists

• Positivists

• Early existentialists

• Pragmatists

• Relativists

• Phenomenologists

• Existentialists

• Poststructuralists/

postmodernists

Continuum of Realism and Idealism

Realism

• The world is static

• Seeing is believing

• The social world is a

given

• Reality is physical and

independent

• Logical thinking is

superior

Idealism

• The world is evolving

• There is more than

meets the eye

• The social world is

created

• Reality is a conception

perceived in the mind

• Thinking is dynamic and

constructive

Beliefs

• Three categories of

beliefs:

– Existential beliefs

– Evaluative beliefs

– Prescriptive/proscri

ptive beliefs

• What are your beliefs

about the major

concepts in nursing?

– Person

– Environment

– Health

– Nursing

Assertions Related to Values

• Each person has a few

• All humans possess the same values

• People organize values into systems

• Values are developed in response to culture,

society, and personality

• Behaviors are manifestations or consequences

of values

Values

• Process of valuing involves 3 steps:

– Choosing values

– Prizing values

– Acting on values

Acquiring Values

• Must be chosen freely

• Must be selected from a list of alternatives

• Must have thoughtful consideration of each of

the outcomes of the alternatives

• Must be prized and cherished

• Must involve a willingness to make values

known to others

• Must precipitate action

• Must be integrated into lifestyle

Values Clarification

• Helps us to understand who we are

• Helps us to understand what is important to us

• Helps us to be more open to accepting others’

choice of values

Guide for Developing a Personal

Philosophy of Nursing (1 of 3)

• Introduction

– Who are you?

– Where do you practice nursing?

• Define nursing

– What is nursing?

– Why does nursing exist?

– Why do you practice nursing?

Guide for Developing a Personal

Philosophy of Nursing (2 of 3)

• What are your assumptions or underlying

beliefs about nurses, patients, other

healthcare providers, and communities?

• Define the major domains of nursing:

– Person

– Health

– Environment

Guide for Developing a Personal

Philosophy of Nursing (3 of 3)

• How are the domains connected?

• What is your vision of nursing for the

future?

• What are the challenges that you will face

as a nurse?

• What are your goals for professional

development?