Personal Philosophy of Nursing - Assignment Example

Personal Philosophy of Nursing The essay aims to address a two-fold objective to wit to develop a personal philosophy of nursing through self-awareness; and (2) to identify how to advance your own professional development as a nursing student. Personal Philosophy of Nursing A personal philosophy of nursing is defined as the statement of beliefs and behaviors that influence the practice of nursing (Basavanthappa, 2004, 131). Through personal philosophy of nursing, a nurse becomes self-aware and was able to understand one’s beliefs, values, attitudes, emotions, the life of others, and the culture in which the nurse belongs. Therefore, self-awareness is the most important key element prior to the development of one’s personal philosophy of nursing. A meaningful personal philosophy of nursing encompasses attitudes, beliefs, and values in life of self and others. These are called the building blocks of a philosophy. Masters (2009) also defined nursing philosophy as the statement of foundational and universal assumptions beliefs, and principles about epistemology, nursing practice, and human healing processes (p. 80). If a nurse has a healthy and meaningful philosophy of nursing, the nurse’s actions will be directed and guided by vision, values, and respect. In line with this, the author will state one’s personal philosophy of nursing and will describe and reflect on values underpinning the development of a personal philosophy of nursing. Component 1: Personal Philosophy of Nursing The author’s personal philosophy of nursing is grounded in the theory of Virginia Henderson and her definition of nursing. Adapted from the book of Daniels (2004), Henderson’s definition of nursing is stated as: “The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge. And to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible (p. 55). Upon learning Henderson’s definition of nursing, the author’s personal philosophy of nursing states that nursing aims towards the promotion of independence among all members of the population, regardless whether people are sick or not, because it is not only the health/wellness condition that is the basis for nursing care but the specific human needs. Nursing exists because there are certain needs to be met such as maintaining physiological balance, adjusting to the environment, communicating and participating with social interaction, and worshipping according to one’s faith (Daniels, 2004, 55). The author wants to become a nurse because of the calling to serve and care for other people. She wanted to make a difference by creating a significant impact on patients’ lives and be remembered as a nurse who cared for them with passion. The author believes that this significant impact can be achieved through a holistic, patient-centered and passionate care. In addition, the author reflects and would like to live up on her personal and societal life values including human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice. The author would like to be remembered as a nurse with commitment to patients and community, a nurse who follows the footsteps of Virginia Henderson. Component 2: Values and Professional Development The different values that underpin the author’s personal philosophy of nursing are human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice. Human dignity refers to the respect for the individual worth and uniqueness of the qualities of others (Turton, Miller & Greiner, 2009, 90). Respect for human dignity is highly valued by the author as it enables her to provide the human needs of people with diverse cultural and ethnical background, different value systems, and lifestyles. The author becomes a culturally-competent care nurse that guides patients to recovery regardless of culture and without prejudices. Integrity refers to actions that are consistent with one’s values and the highest standards of the profession (Turton, Miller & Greiner, 2009, 91). Integrity is important in advocating for change. In order to promote independence and ensure compliance of patients in the provision of care or proposed change, a nurse must have value integrity by setting a good example of one’s values and the standards of the nursing profession. Autonomy is the value placed upon self-determination or the respect given to the patients to decide on their own free will (Turton, Miller & Greiner, 2009, 90). Reflecting from past experiences, the author had valued the autonomy of one of her patients that has different culture from her. The patient is a Jehovah’s Witness and in need of blood transfusion. The patient refused the blood transfusion because it is against his religion. Because the author values autonomy, she respected the decision of the patient to refuse the necessary treatment and promoted independence in decision and autonomous provision of spiritual needs. Altruism is defined as the selfless concern for the benefit of others (Turton, Miller & Greiner, 2009, 90). Prior to entering the nursing profession, the author has the passion for caring and for serving her community. The author feel overwhelmingly rewarded if at some point, she had made a difference on the lives of her patients by providing patient needs and promoting independence. Above all, the author values social justice or the fair and equitable allocation of resources (Turton, Miller & Greiner, 2009, 91). The author highly feel that this should be the most lived up values because quality care must be provided to all needing population regardless of who they are and what are their status in life and nurses are fully responsible in doing all the efforts to lead the patient to recovery and independence. One’s personal values, together with the personal philosophy of nursing, are essential and directly related to professional development and nursing practice (Kelly, 2009, 346). Personal philosophy of nursing provides self-awareness and direction to the actions of nurses as well as the nurses’ value systems, the internal conscience of nurses which guides them in providing ethical care. Thus, a nurse with personal philosophy of nursing and values enhances her professional development because actions are continuously examined according to the accepted values and standards of the nursing profession. References Basavanthappa, B.T. (2004). Hospital and Its Routines. Fundamentals of Nursing (p. 118-167). New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Ltd. Daniels, R. (2004). Framework of Nursing Practice. Nursing Fundamentals: Caring & Clinical Decision Making (p. 49-63). New York: Delmar Learning. Kelly, P. (2009). Ethical Aspects of Health Care. Essential of Nursing Leadership and Management (2nd ed.) (p. 343-353). New York: Delmar, Cengage Learning. Masters, K. (2009). Philosophy of Nursing. Role Development in Professional Nursing Practice (2nd ed.) (p. 69-83). Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC. Turton, T.H. & Miller, M.E. & Greiner, P.A. (2009). Community Service and Learning and Student Engagement. Nurse-Managed Wellness Centers: Developing and Maintaining your Center (p. 87-96). New York: Springer Publishing Company, LLC. Read More