Personal Philosophy of Nursing
Introduction
Personal Philosophy of Nursing
NURS 401 – Professional Development
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Purpose of 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.
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Approach to Assignment
This assignment allowed me an opportunity to do some introspection on my past nursing career. I asked myself questions regarding what direction my career had taken thus far and what direction I wanted my career to go in the future. Until this assignment I had never really given it much thought. Looking at what brought me to nursing in the first place, what interests I have in the medical field and my involvement in the community lead me to develop my professional philosophy.
Reason for Inclusion
The process of reflect and examination of my career path as a nurse has given me a new focus and direction. To become a true driving force in the healthcare industry I believe it’s important to clarify and understand my own philosophy and to share it with others. This process defined my own mission statement.
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Critical Thinking
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Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.
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The American Nursing Association (ANA) definition of the practice of nursing guided me in my examination and clarification regarding the development of my professional philosophy. The ANA has established nursing standards of care, nurse advocacy, and improvements to the working environment for nurses. I identified Peplau’s nursing theory of Interpersonal Relations with a focuse on the nurse-patient relationship to align best with my own professional nursing philosophy.
Leadership
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Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the interdisciplinary health care team.
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Through the development of my professional philosophy I was able to define the values behind my nursing care. Within the practice of caring for individuals suffering from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) many professional are needed to address their needs to include nursing, psychologist, physicians, social workers, mental health/recovery counselors, and substance abuse technicians. Understanding my professional philosophy has given me the insight to improve my role as part of this interdisciplinary team.
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Professionalism
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Applies an ethical decision-making framework and legal guidelines to clinical situations that incorporate moral concepts, professional ethics, and advocacy for patient well-being and preferences.
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One of the main philosophical principles identified is that of autonomy within the nurse-patient relationship. I strongly believe patients deserve to be informed and allowed the freedom of autonomy to make healthcare decisions which they feel benefit themselves, not to be persuaded by the medical profession, one way or the other. Basically, to meet the patient right where they are, providing patient centered care. I identified patient well-being, health care preferences, and advocacy as valuable aspects within my professional nursing philosophy. The Peplau’s nursing theory of Interpersonal Relations identifies the focuses on the nurse-patient relationship which promotes all three of these principles within the framework of decision making during clinical nursing practice.