My Personal Philosophy
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
NURS 401
Personal Philosophy
Purpose of the Assignment:
The purpose of this assignment is to enable the student to discover his or her personal philosophy of nursing, as it exists at the beginning of the academic journey toward the BSN.
Student Approach
I began my BSN adventure one year into my nursing program, concurrently. Besides the clinical experience gained in nursing school, I had little to none when I took this course. NURS 401 grants students the opportunity to reflect on their beliefs, allowing them to describe what it personally means to be a nurse.
Reason for Inclusion
Every nurse has their definition of nursing. Like many fields, nursing can be viewed as an opportunity, a steppingstone, an odyssey, or a fulfilling endeavor. My nursing journey began in the summer of 2017, and this assignment made me reflect deeply on why I pursued a nursing career. The nursing philosophy, which I have defined, has changed me into the caregiver I have become currently.
Curricular Outcomes
Critical Thinking
Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.
The assignment made me examine my professional practice in nursing. Part of it involved researching different nursing models, various definitions of nursing, and philosophies of the practice. I cited Hildegard Peplau’s theory of Interpersonal Relationships because it helps patients make a positive change in their well-being via straightforward communication. Being honest with patients builds trust with their nurses, and it has been a skill I have used to build rapport with my patients over the past year.
Nursing Practice
Demonstrates an awareness of complementary modalities and their usefulness in promoting health.
Complimentary modalities are methods of taking care of patients during their time of need. Many patients were in the hospital away from their loved ones, inducing stress. Simple actions such as talking to them at eye level, holding their hand, and speaking to their family can decrease stress and improve outcomes. While many facilities may consider patients “clients,” I described them as humans who require comfort along with the care they need.
Communication
Accesses and utilizes data and information from a wide range of sources to enhance patient and professional communication.
I discuss in the paper how totality and human integrity are essential for developing a treatment plan. To elaborate, I had to cite different topics on the definition of nursing, philosophy, and why a holistic approach should be used when treating patients. I discuss how, while two patients can have the same condition, both will have different forms of receiving care based on their backgrounds. Individual patients must be looked at differently and professionally.
Teaching
Uses information technologies and other appropriate methods to enhance one’s own knowledge base.
To develop my philosophy, I cited the International Council of Nurse’s code of ethics and the American Nursing Association’s nursing definition. I also mentioned Halter’s article on the various theories used by nurses to improve my therapeutic communication.
Research
Applies research-based knowledge from the arts, humanities, and sciences to complement nursing practice.
I believe a holistic approach is needed for nursing practice, as it draws from the arts, humanities, and sciences. The articles and theories used in the paper allowed me to enhance my nursing definition and develop my nursing practice. An interdisciplinary team creates a care plan for a single individual, utilizing different skills to deliver high-quality care. I cited Babiker’s article on working as a team to improve patient care, which provided evidence to support my philosophy.
Leadership
Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team.
Healthcare facilities comprise of different professionals with different educational backgrounds. Despite the differences, individuals contribute their skills for a common goal: to better the patient(s) being treated. My nursing philosophy is based on a holistic approach, teamwork, being honest, and advocating for the patient. As nurses, one of our duties is to communicate the concerns between them and the healthcare team.
Professionalism
Understands the effects of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice and health care delivery.
The paper asks us to differentiate the definition of philosophy and our personal viewpoint on the subject. “Philosophy is the concept or beliefs an individual has to use during a decision-making process.” Each healthcare individual has a cognitive behavior that allows them to perform daily tasks. I seek to expand my philosophy by helping those who need assistance and continue to do so. They highlighted how the definition of nursing is patient-centered, meaning care is provided solely for their benefit. We abide by a scope of practice and consider the primary, secondary, and tertiary care consistency in treatment.
Culture
Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race, religion, gender, lifestyle, and age.
I cited a couple of examples explaining how holistic care is imperative for building rapport with a patient. For a nurse to use therapeutic communication, a nurse must begin developing a professional and human relationship with the patient. As previously mentioned, each individual functions differently. Age, race, religion, gender, culture, and lifestyle should be considered when creating a treatment plan and communicating with the patient. Patients are in a stressful situation due to their condition; displaying beneficence and positivity can ease their mind when considering their entire background.