Running head: Philosophy of Nursing Philosophy of Nursing Nancho DeChirico University of Phoenix Philosophy of Nursing For as long as I can remember, nursing was a profession that I longed to be a part of because nurses represented the very essence of caring and compassion. After realizing my dream, I found myself working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where I developed a personal philosophy and core set of values regarding nursing. “Philosophies of nursing are statements of beliefs about nursing and expressions of values in nursing that are used as bases for thinking and acting” (Chitty & Black, 2007, p. 19). Everyone has values, ideas and beliefs that are unique and different from others. One great challenge in the nursing field is how to appropriately incorporate our own values and beliefs into the professional practice. “Professional values are standards for actions accepted by the practitioner and professional group that provide a framework influencing the behavior of the group. ” (“Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education,”2008,p. 1). Identifying the values that are most important will greatly influence an individual’s nursing practice.
According to the National League for Nursing (NLN), the core values of nursing are caring, integrity, diversity and excellence. I consider and value nursing as understanding a patient’s needs and situations, seeing the person as a unique human being and treating the person with respect and dignity. The strong connection between a patient and nurse represents opportunities to explore and apply personal values. I consider the primary focus of nursing is to help promote, gain and maintain health and healing not only for our patients but also families as well.
My vision for myself as a nurse is to encompass the values that I embrace in everything I do. I will be accountable for my actions and practice within the scope of my license. I will continue to add to my knowledge base by actively seeking opportunities to learn. I will be compassionate and unbiased in my care. I will treat my patients and their families in the manner that I would expect for myself and my family. To live out my philosophy of nursing, every day I must remember my patients are individuals and entitled to privacy, respect, and dignity.
The families of my patients are experiencing one of the most stressful experiences of their lives. I will strive to promote an environment that is family-centered. I must remember that my co-workers may have different values and beliefs than my own but are also deserving of my respect, support and encouragement. With the intention of providing excellent care to my patients I will strive to take care of myself physically and emotionally. I understand that my philosophy of nursing may change as I continue to grow in my profession.
I look forward to the journey but will continuously remember that the core of my profession is caring and all that it encompasses. Chitty, K. , & Black, B. P. (2007). Professional nursing: Concepts and Challenges. Retrieved from University of Phoenix E-Book Collection. References Kubsch, S. , Hansen, G. , & Huyser-Eatwell, V.. (2008). Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 39(8), 375-84. Retrieved September 21, 2009, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. Document ID: 1533055471). National League for Nursing. (n. d. ). Core values. Retrieved September 20, 2009, from www. nln. org/aboutnln/corevalues. htm Taggart, H. , Anderson, M. , Byrd, A. , Cornelius, J. , Denke, L. , Hureston, L. , Mahaffey, E. , Patterson, G. , Phillips-Kelly, J. , Mulredy-Schick, J. , Norman, L. , & Hinds, L.. (2009). Faculty Stories Highlight a Core Value of the NLN. Nursing Education Perspectives, 30(3), 199-201. Retrieved September 21, 2009, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. (Document ID: 1782962091).
