Professional Outlook / Philosophy Assignment
NURS 314: Principle of Practice: Foundational Concepts
NURS 481: Role Transition
Purpose of the Assignment: This project provides the student with an opportunity to define his/her philosophy of nursing in the early phases of education and professionalization. In the spirit of life-long learning inherent to the practice of nursing, the student will also explore and describe his/her goals for higher-level nursing education. As required for the Senior year portfolio, the student can use this project to look back and reflect upon the values, understandings, ambiguities, and personal experiences that have changed or held steadfast throughout his/her undergraduate nursing education and their influence on the transition to the professional nurse role.
Student Approach to Assignment: While completing this assignment, it was cool seeing how my clinical experiences influenced my philosophy of nursing. My philosophy as a whole did not change, but I realized that some things were missing, and I started to group philosophies to make them fit my perspective a little more. This assignment forced me to think about my experiences throughout every clinical during this program and think about how my philosophy of nursing impacted the care I provided.
Reasons for Inclusion of the Assignment in the Portfolio: I am including this assignment in my final eportfolio to reflect on my clinical experiences. Connecting my clinical experiences to my philosophy of nursing allows me to show how I decided to provide the care I did.
- Domain 1: Knowledge for Nursing Practice
- End of program learning outcome 1: Identify concepts, derived from theories from nursing and other disciplines, which distinguish the practice of nursing. (Domain 1) (1.1,1.3)
- In this paper, I talk about several nursing theories, including Martha Rogers theory of Science of Unitary Human Beings, Jean Watson’s theory of Human Caring, and Madeleine Leininger’s Culture Care Theory. Martha Rogers’ theory talks about the impact the environment can have on a patient, and that has influenced me to make sure my patients are always safe and comfortable during their stay. Jean Watson’s theory talks about being respectful and caring to patients, no matter what their background is. Lastly, Leininger’s theory talks about the importance of being respectful of the cultures of all patients, families, and coworkers. All of these theories influence the care I provide to my patients and their families.
- End of program learning outcome 1: Identify concepts, derived from theories from nursing and other disciplines, which distinguish the practice of nursing. (Domain 1) (1.1,1.3)
- Domain 6: Interprofessional Partnerships
- End of program learning outcome 31: Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team. (Domain 6) (6.3, 6.4)
- In this paper, I mention how important it is for nurses to work with other members of the interdisciplinary health care team for the benefit of the patient’s care. This is also mentioned in Leininger’s theory, which mentions every member of the health care team coming from a different culture, and it is important to respect each culture for the betterment of the patients.
- End of program learning outcome 31: Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team. (Domain 6) (6.3, 6.4)
- Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development
- End of program learning outcome 33: Explores personal philosophy of nursing and educational goals at the beginning and end of the program. (Domain 10) (10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
- In this paper, I talk about how my personal philosophy of nursing changed and did not change throughout this program. I believe that providing a safe environment for all patients, having compassion and respect for each patient, and using communication to build a trusting relationship with patients and coworkers.
- End of program learning outcome 43: Demonstrates accountability for one’s own professional practice. (Domain 10) (10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
- In this paper, I discussed two ethical principles, autonomy and beneficence, and how I will carry these principles into my career as a nurse. I also mentioned the relationship between the nurse and patient, nurse and the community, and nurses and other healthcare professionals in culturally diverse settings, and how that can affect the care provided.
- End of program learning outcome 33: Explores personal philosophy of nursing and educational goals at the beginning and end of the program. (Domain 10) (10.1, 10.2, 10.3)