My Philosophy of Nursing - Essay Example

One's philosophy in nursing embodies the concepts of holistic nursing where addressing the illness of a patient includes integrating not only medical interventions, but also other facets that are evidently needed by the patient: emotional stability, and improving social interaction, as required. One acknowledges that the nursing profession that focuses on the holistic nursing approach should continue to grow through learning updates and be involved in the continuous pursuit of higher education.

The outlook on the profession remains optimistic as noted: “employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of technological advancements; an increased emphasis on preventative care; and the large, aging baby-boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives”. The current discourse has successfully identified one’s personal philosophy in nursing as being able to provide direct and holistic patient care that ensures all facets of a patient’s illness is duly addressed through according to the comprehensive improvement of the well-being of the patient.

The rationale and approaches were taken to develop this particular mindset and philosophy were presented. The vast opportunities for growth, in conjunction with a dynamic and multi-faceted approach to learning and practicing what one learned provides effective opportunities to be an instrumental.. It is at that moment that one was confirmed that nursing is the profession for me. Likewise, it is also then that one’s philosophy on holistic nursing started to evolve. The American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA) defines holistic nursing as ““all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal” (American Holistic Nurses’ Association, 1998, Description of Holistic Nursing).

Holistic nursing is a specialty practice that draws on nursing knowledge, theories, expertise and intuition to guide nurses in becoming therapeutic partners with people in their care. This practice recognizes the totality of the human being – the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotion, spirit, social/cultural, relationship, context, and environment” (American Holistic Nursing Association, 2012, par. 1). One’s philosophy in nursing embodies the concepts of holistic nursing where addressing the illness of a patient includes integrating not only medical interventions, but also other facets that are evidently needed by the patient: emotional stability, spiritual counselling, and improving social interaction, as required.

Approaches in Developing Nursing Philosophy The basic theoretical framework learned through course modules in nursing assisted in enhancing one’s knowledge on the profession. Courses in health promotion and maintenance, promotive and preventive nursing care, curative and rehabilitative management, continuation of care for patients with specific problems, and nursing management and leadership, among others are instrumental in providing the academic foundation. Immersion to actual nursing practice and direct access to patient care through various health care settings further acknowledged one’s firm