Nursing Theory and Advance Practice 2
Personal Philosophy Paper
Let me begin by saying nursing is one of the hardest professions but also one of the most
rewarding. I did not grow up wanting to be a nurse. I was always drawn to science and the
human body amazes me still to this day, but it was not until my Grandmother was sick with
cancer and the comforting nurses that cared for her that I decided to be a nurse. I strive to have
the qualities that I saw in them in my everyday practice as a nurse; caring, kind, good
communicators, respectful and an advocate. My personal nursing philosophy is multifaceted;
using my education in science and combining it to provide respectful holistic care for the patient.
This paper will discuss the qualities I feel are needed to be a nurse, the patient care I strive to
give, and the beliefs that I hold myself accountable to.
Personal Philosophy
I have never thought about my own personal nursing philosophy, so to begin my research
I had to define philosophy. According to dictionary.com “philosophy is a particular system of
thought based on such study or investigation” (2005). This definition I thought was most
applicable to my needs because I feel my personal philosophy has changed over the years as I
have grown in my career, much like nursing has evolved over time. Nursing is not just a
profession to me, but a way of life. It is caring for others above all else and putting their needs
first.
Nursing and Patient Care
The most important thing in nursing is patient care. The patients are what makes us
nurses, therefore I use a holistic patient-centered approach. Making my care individualized to
each patient that I encounter. By interacting and treating the patient as a whole including mind,
body and spirit, it helps to connect with the patient and their families allowing for optimum care.
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Some examples of this would be praying with a patient, allowing them to have their favorite food
even if not on their diet, allowing the patient to plan their day to give them some control that they
might have lost while in the hospital. I personally have sung hymns with a patient to help
decrease her agitation at night and help her sleep and that was one of the most rewarding nights
of my career. This is a way of building trust with the patient and allows them to openly
communicate and be honest about their needs and wants. Therefore, making me a better advocate
for them.
Communication with Healthcare Professionals.
Good effective communication is important in any relationship, but in a healthcare setting
it could affect someone’s life. Nurses are constantly having to communicate throughout their day
with not only the patient and families, but with other healthcare providers as well. Nursing care
is a collaborative effort involving many aspects of the healthcare team including doctors,
respiratory therapist, nurses, dieticians, physical therapy, and the patient themselves just to name
a few. A critical time for effective communication in my healthcare setting is a code situation
which as a code responder I find myself in more than I would like. But this stressful situation
requires collaborative and effective communication, so no mistakes are made, and nothing is
missed. At this time clear concise communication is needed.
But do not forget nonverbal communication as well. Nonverbal communication is the
exchange you have with another person by simply using body language. I am reminded of this
daily by simply walking down the street and smiling at people. I was always told a smile can
brighten up your day and as a nurse that is what I want for my patients and my coworkers. So, I
always greet everyone with a smile, it lets them know I am happy to be there and take care of
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them. This transparent act of kindness can change a person’s attitude toward you or that day and
improve patient outcomes.
Nursing Ethics
Nursing ethics vary from nurse to nurse, but I believe that nurses have the same basic
ethics at our core. The first is just like the doctor’s creed do no harm also referred to as
nonmaleficence. As nurses we do not set out to hurt our patient in anyway. We want to improve
their health and ultimately make them feel better. Second, is showing respect and always being
honest with the patient and the people you work with. Next, nurses must be accountable for their
actions and the things they delegate to others. Lastly, is always be just and fair. Our profession
faces ethical dilemmas on a day to day basis, but if we will follow a code of ethics those
decisions will be easier to make. Some of these problems could be as small as a patient wanting
to get up out of bed to walk by themselves but are a fall risk or more importantly code status. An
ethical dilemma that is facing healthcare as a nation right now is the legalization marijuana.
Luckily at the hospital I currently work at if any ethical dilemmas come up that can not be easily
resolved it can be taken in front of the ethics committee which include all aspects of the
healthcare team. Also, this committee offers continuing education that is available to every
healthcare provider.
Nursing Environment
As a nurse, I have been blessed to work in many areas of the hospital including med-surg
floor, emergency room, cardiac intensive care and now medical intensive care all of which have
taught me something new every day. One thing I have learned is that we are all effected by our
surroundings which includes our patients. So, all nurses and all facilities should strive to make an
environment that is conducive to healing. Therefore, I see a patient’s hospital room, whether it be
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four walls or curtains is their room and their own personal environment be respectful. I always
try to knock or announce myself upon entering their domain. Also, allow for pictures whether
photographs or their grandchild’s drawing display it like they would at home. I try to put myself
in their shoes and I love to be at home if I am sick, so I try to make their room feel as much like
home as possible.
In conclusion, through this process I have been able to learn a lot about a philosophy system I
was not aware I had. It has opened my mind to more positive changes I can make in my patient
care to improve patient outcomes. I have been blessed to find a career that incorporates two of
the things that I love science and caring for others and plan on continuing in this field until my
retirement. I do plan to transition, from taking care of my patients to taking care of the nurses
that take care of patients, by making sure they have the best technology to serve their patient
population. My nursing philosophy is honestly being used daily whether I am at work or not. I
can care for all people outside the hospital.
