Nursing philosophy is vital because it determines the relationship between nurses and their patients. Each nurse should have a nursing philosophy that is aligned with the nursing code of ethics, legal perspectives, personal values, and moral principles. Florence Nightingale provides the socio-historical perspective of nursing philosophy. Having worked with injured soldiers, she realized that the hygienic environment, quality care, and effective communication were vital in promoting quality health. Patients, family, the community, and nurses are all integral part of the treatment and recovery process. The following discussion will focus on the aspects of the philosophy of nursing.
Choice of Nursing
Why Did I Choose Nursing?
Initially, I never dreamt of becoming a nurse. I spent most of my time in school with no knowledge of what I wanted to become. I loved biology classes very much, but how to apply the knowledge in a practical setting always gave me a challenge. During my young age, about five years old, I had a dream of becoming a doctor one day. The reality hit me hard when I failed to graduate from high school. I knew that the dream of ever becoming a doctor was lost. My mom played a vital role in motivating me to become a nurse. After several years, I decided to go back to school to pursue nursing. In all my life, I had never thought that I could care for patients. While I wanted to pursue nursing, I was doing it for the science aspect, and not to care for the patients. However, in the course of training and practicing, I began to develop compassion for patients. With the help of family and friend, I developed nursing values such as empathy, care, and compassion, which were necessary for caring for the patients.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Now, I am in nursing by choice. As I continue to interact with patients on a daily basis, I realize how much potential I have to fulfill my objectives. I have understood that sometimes it is difficult to know what career suits someone until when given an opportunity to practice. I feel more accomplished as I take proactive measures to enhance patients’ health. My satisfaction comes through positive outcomes in patients’ health. My goal is always to minimize reinfections at the healthcare setting to ensure that my patients recover within a short time. Therefore, while my mother influenced my decision to become a nurse, I have eventually made a conscious choice to belong to this noble profession. I like it with passion, and I am always happy to serve my patients.
Essence of Nursing
What Do You Believe the Core of Nursing Is and Should Be?
The core of nursing should be to enhance the patient-centered approach to care. Patients have a right to determine their health, including the treatment process. A patient-centered approach ensures that patients get the kind of kind that is relevant and useful to them (Parker & Creasia, 2006). The patient is actively involved in the treatment process, which ensures that the primary health needs are addressed. As such, the patient-centered care promotes positive health care outcomes for the patient. A trusting nurse-patient relationship is imperative in fostering quality healthcare (Masters, 2017). The goal should be to create a favorable environment that enhances communication between nurses and their patients. Nurses should demonstrate care for the patients and unconditional love.
Correlate Historical, Ethical, And/or Political Factors Influencing Professional Nursing Practice?
Another core of nursing should be to prevent infections by taking proactive measures. Historically, during the world war, many American soldiers were injured. Florence Nightingale realized that hygiene was a proactive measure to minimize the number of casualties. Living in a hygienic environment had a positive impact on the health care outcomes of the patients. Therefore, from a sociohistorical perspective, the goal of nursing should be to take a proactive approach to prevent escalation of infections and enhance the recovery. From an ethical perspective, nurses are expected to improve the excellent relationship with patients and treat them with dignity (Masters, 2017). Under the provision one of American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses 2016, patients have the right to self-determination. That explains why it is necessary for nurses to engage patients in the treatment process. Therefore, the essence of nursing should be to enhance a collaborative environment where both nurses and patients work together to foster good health.
Beliefs and Values
What do you Believe about Patients?
I believe patients have a right to self-determination as expressed in the code of ethics. I think patients should take an active role in determining their health, treatment plan, and the aftercare services. A nurse should not impose anything on the patients. The two should work together to determine what treatment should fit a particular patient. A patient-centered approach to treatment and should be the primary goal of all the healthcare facilities.
What do you believe about the Patient’s Families and Significant Others?
I believe the patient’s families and significant others are an integral part of the treatment process, particularly when it comes to aftercare and recovery period. Families and significant others are in close contact with patients away from the hospital. They should be involved because they can monitor the patient’s recovery, ensure the patient is taking medication, and know when to call for emergency services. I also believe that families and significant others contribute to positive healthcare outcomes, especially when they are involved in the treatment process. For instance, they can create a quiet and hygienic environment that fosters the patient’s recovery.
What do you believe about your Fellow Health Care Providers?
Fellow health care providers should create a warm and welcoming environment that fosters an excellent relationship with patients. Nurses should understand that effective communication with patients helps to improve health care outcomes. Healthcare providers should also commit to promoting a hygienic environment to minimize reinfections in healthcare settings.
What do you Believe about your Health?
I believe that a holistic approach to health is the best strategy to ensure that I lead a healthy life. A healthy diet, physical exercises, alleviation of stress, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is vital. I understand the importance of physical activities in promoting good mental and physical health.
The vision of the Future
What Do You Want to Be Doing In 2 Years?
I desire to complete my BSN and continue to practice at the bedside. This is what I have been doing for a couple of years, and I love it. I have tried the administration work, but I have realized that I do not have an interest in that field. I’ve been a bedside nurse for my entire nursing career for ten plus years. I have developed compassion and skills in caring for patients in the hospital. My communication skills with the patients help to get the desired results, which enhances my professional satisfaction. Direct contact with patients gives me satisfaction as a nurse.
What Do You Want to Be Doing In 5 Years?
I aspire to go back to school at some point in future for master’s in education. For some time now, I have been teaching. I have realized that it is something that I love doing and I do not struggle. Currently, I impart knowledge at the hospital level, where I am a unit-based educator (UBE). I believe that enhancing my skills through education will foster my competence level and competitiveness.
What Do You Want to Be Doing In 10 Years?
In the next ten years, my dreams and aspirations will not have changed. I am still passionate about being a bedside nurse and an educator. I see myself becoming an accomplished and experienced bedside nurse. Also, I seek to accumulate more knowledge to be able to prepare future healthcare providers. The goal is to enhance evidence-based practice in the nursing profession.
Summary
What Strengths to Support Your Achievement of Your Professional Goals?
I believe that commitment is my main strength. Usually, when I set my mind to doing something, I have to pursue it to the end. If I am passionate about something, I will put all my energy and resources to accomplish it. Through hard work and discipline, I can achieve my goals. The commitment, dedication, and personal sacrifice will help me to achieve my future career goals and remain product throughout.
What Limitations Will You Need to Overcome to Achieve Your Professional Goals?
I think my main undoing will be motivation, particularly for those functions I do not like to perform. Like I said before, I am very committed to what I love, such as being a bedside nurse. However, I dislike other tasks that I feel are not aligned with what I want to become. I have no desire to be in school again, even though I must to become what I aspire to be. Currently, I am committed to my work, which I think is as important as my future dreams. I do not believe that I will sacrifice the work now to be in school. The lack of desire is making it very difficult to see myself pursuing anything beyond a BSN at this point in my life. However, when the right time comes, I believe I will have to make the right choice because career growth and diversity is imperative for me.
References
Masters, K. (2017). Role Development: in Professional Nursing Practice (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 84-86
Parker, J. & Creasia, L. (2006). Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice . 4 th edition. Mosby.
