Philosophy of Nursing

Additional components such as caring support the nurse-client relationship; a nurse who is able to truly care for Irene will develop a strong bond with her. Caring for a client is taking the time to treat them like they matter and looking past their illness and recognizing the unique individual that they are (Johnstone, 2010). Genuineness is being authentic towards a client. Irene will respond more freely and honestly to a nurse who is genuine. A nurse is genuine by maintaining meaning behind what they say or ask and by actually caring rather than running through the motions (Van Manen, 2002).

ANA defines nursing as “The protection promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury alleviation of suffering of human response, and advocacy in the care of individual, families, communities and population” (ANA, 2013).

To enable individuals to improve, maintain, or recuperate health, to cope with health problems, and to achieve the best possible quality of life, whatever their disease or disability, until death, is undertaken by the use of clinical judgement in the provision of care. Nurses advance health, healing, growth and development and prevent disease, illness, injury and disability. Simultaneously they minimise distress and suffering. They enable patients and families to acknowledge and cope with their disease or disability,

Throughout all nurse to client-relationships the central component to being an effective nurse is to be able to establish a therapeutic relationship with their client. The RNAO states that “effective nursing practice is dependent on an effective therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client.” (Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 2002). By using the adaption of John’s (2006) Model of Structured Reflection, a clinical scenario including a nurse and a client will be analyzed for the nurse’s ability to create a therapeutic relationship throughout her interaction with the client.

We often hear that nursing is an art and a science, and I firmly believe that. The way a nurse blends those aspects of care defines the nurse. As nurses, our roles in our patients’ lives vary depending on their needs. We are teachers as well as technical experts, and our ultimate goal is to ensure our patients and families are ready to take over when the

Regrettably, the existence of nursing depends on the medical inadequacy of others. Unfortunately, nursing exists because people get hurt, cannot care for themselves, or need assistance with daily activities. Carol Taylor (2011), author of Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Nursing Care, writes, “Nursing care involves any number of activities, from carrying out complicated technical procedures to something as seemingly as holding a hand” (p. 5). Taylor explains it is the duty of a nurse not only to learn the pertinent skills but also to bond with and comfort others. Nurses have to do and become many things: They must be stern when necessary, compassionate when needed, open minded

Effective nursing practice is in need of on an effective therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client. This instruction addresses the qualities and capacities of an effective therapeutic relationship, the state of knowledge, and the information needed to be effective. To implement a therapeutic relationship effectively, hospitals characteristics must be supportive. The therapeutic relationship is also known as the helping alliance and it refers to the bond between a healthcare professional and a client. It is the means of professional hopes to involve with, so as to change the outcome result of the client. This relationship is significant to the client’s orientation

Nursing is based on caring in nursing. Compassion and concern for protecting and enhancing the

Nursing philosophies are used by many institutions and places of employment. It is important that student nurses and nurses read and gain knowledge from their facilities nursing philosophy. Philosophies give the nurse a guideline of how their facility defines the aspects of nursing and what is expected of them as nurses of that facility. It is essential for nurses to go back after they have graduated from nursing school and reread the nursing philosophy and compare it to the nursing philosophy of their new place of employment to know the similarities and differences of how the two facilities view the nursing profession. Below is the

I also believe that nursing is about empowering patients through teaching and positive reinforcement, giving them the autonomy to direct their own recovery or health maintenance. In doing so I believe that we are respecting their individuality and dignity.

To me nursing is more than treating an illness; rather it is also focusing on delivering quality patient care individualized to the needs of each patient. My philosophy of nursing incorporates the knowledge of medicine while combining it with relational, compassionate caring that respects the dignity of each patient. I believe each patient should be treated as an individual and given the best quality of care, regardless of their age, race, sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, or immoral choices they may have made.

Establishing a personal nursing philosophy is important for several reasons on the journey to becoming a professional nurse. Master’s (2014) defines nursing philosophies as being a broad framework that provides direction, clarifies values, and forms a foundation (p. 49). By establishing your own nursing philosophy, you are able to define the way you interact with others in your profession, as well as with patients and their families. It gives the nurse the foundation needed to stand up for their profession, make changes and advocate for their patients.

When discerning about my respective philosophy of nursing, I think back to all of the theories and elements of advance nursing that we have been educated on throughout the duration of this program. I have stepped back and considered the following three elements for the construction of my philosophy: 1) the definite science, 2) the constructive knowledge, and 3) the position in which nursing lies as a societal arrangement. For further construction of the advanced philosophy, it was vital to consider the four paradigms contusive to nursing: 1) human beings, 2) health, 3) environment, and 4) nursing.

Developing a nursing philosophy is important to a nurse as it serves as a guide and is the foundation for personal nursing practice. Following a personal nursing philosophy can enhance your nursing career, make you a better nurse and improve patient outcomes. However, it is difficult to choose one nursing theorist, as there are viewpoints from several theorists that align with my personal theories. Choosing one theory is not only difficult, it is possible to change a theory during your nursing career or draw from various theories while working with patients and their families depending on the situation. Consequently, nurses are taught the foundation of multiple theorist and there does not seem to be one correct model. It is a matter of finding one that fits your

Not all patients are capable of independently identifying and articulate their care needs, so the nurse also adapts the role as an advocate. Clarity and continuity in a trusting environment enables good communication. Progressive identification of needs takes place as nurse and patient communicate with one another in the interpersonal relationship (Peplau 1988, p. 84). Being considerate to the needs and vulnerability of patients is a moral attribute, as nurses are accountable for the care they deliver.