Personal Philosophy of Nursing

I cannot recall a time when I have not been overwhelmed by an eagerness to care for those in need. I believe my passion for nursing began at a young age because I was raised by an outstanding nurse who taught me the importance of selflessness. I feel most fulfilled when I am caring for those in need, and I have focused my nursing attitudes around the professional practice model and philosophy of “Careful Nursing.” Careful Nursing is the interpretation of a 19th-century nursing system which is comprised of four views: excellence and competence, therapeutic milieu, influence in health systems and the management of practice, and professional authority (Meehan, 2013).

As I prepare to enter the nursing profession, it is important to analyze my principles and values with regards to the practice of nursing.

First and foremost, I believe that nurses have a duty to advocate for their patients. Patient advocacy is so paramount to effective nursing, that the American Nurses Association specifically mentions it in their code of ethics.

Nurses have the most consistent interpersonal contact with patients and often can provide the best insight to the individual status and progress of each person they treat. Through patient advocacy, nurses can foster a caring and trusting relationship with their patients and their patients’ families, which I believe is integral to providing excellent care.

Unsafe Staffing

A major concern in the nursing community is the rapid increase in patient volume compounded with staffing shortages and tighter budgeting. Maintaining an appropriate nurse-to- patient ratio is crucial in delivering quality patient care.

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Nurses across the nation have been rallying congress to pass laws regarding safe patient ratios. The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act aims to mandate these nurse-to-patient ratios and emphasize the necessity for nurses to be an advocate for their patients. Because of budget cuts and a lack of qualified nurses, patients are placed at a greater risk for errors in medication administration, infection, falls, or even death.

Staffing deficiencies not only negatively affect the patient’s quality of care but also the nursing profession as a whole. According to Blitchok (2018), these unsafe working conditions have caused 1 out of 5 new nurses to resign completely, often within only one year of obtaining licensure. It is my belief that nurses cannot properly advocate for their patients if they are unable to advocate for themselves. This ongoing issue contributed to the driving force that lead me to my pursuit of nursing as a profession. When I become a nurse, I intend to use my voice to join my colleagues in the fight for this necessary change.

Health and Illness

In delivering patient care, it is imperative to first recognize the difference between health and illness. The World Health Organization defines health as a state of social, physical and mental well-being, but not free from infirmity or ailment (Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary. (2012). The disruption or termination of a function of an organ, system or structure within concerning the body which is inconsistent with its anatomic flow is noted as illness. It is my belief that every person has the right to receive healthcare care regardless of their income or ability to pay for service. In the United States, we should not go without health care because it is unaffordable, especially to receive preventative care. I believe the right to receive preventative maintenance for everyone would decrease costly long-term illness, disability, and death; which we as a nation are then held accountable.

Future of Nursing

Due to the increase in chronic illness and the aging population, employment of registered nurses is estimated to grow 15% by 2026 (BLS, 2018). Everyone is not cut out to be a nurse. My views on professional nurse qualifications have been partially instilled upon me by my mother. An individual can take the prerequisite classes and apply for the nursing program, but there is another side to nursing than getting excellent grades. An individual must be able to genuinely care and remain free from judgement and personal biases. They must be able to empathize with the patient, their families, and their situations and advocate for them in their time of need.

The scope of nursing has drastically changed from the past. In the days of Florence Nightingale nursing training, education, and responsibilities were much different than they are today. Nurses are expected to critically think, be highly educated, and trained to make decisions that fifty years ago were physician driven. We are already seeing a trend in more nurse practitioners in today’s healthcare. In the future of nursing, fundamental basics are consistent, but there is always expected change (Johnson, 2015).

Conclusion

Without establishing a nursing philosophy, one may lose sight of their purpose as a nurse, thereby lowering their drive, attitude, and ultimately diminishing their capacity to effectively care for their patients. I aim to never become complacent, and to remain an active participant in advocating for my patients. Through constant commitment to education and immersing myself in the guiding principles of nursing, I believe that I will be able to support my patients from every available avenue. To focus not only on a patient’s immediate medical needs, but also on ensuring that each patient feels confident that their voice is being heard, is to me the true meaning of being a nurse.