Introduction
My personal philosophy stems from the life values instilled in me as a child. These values consist of integrity, trustworthiness, connection, and compassion. From childhood, my passion has always been to care for and make a positive impact on the lives of others. My personal philosophy is rooted in dignity, service, and evidence-based practice. It focuses on the holistic wellness and empowerment of each patient while showing the utmost respect regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, or life choices. This calling to nursing wasn't accidental. From my earliest memories, I was naturally drawn to caring for others. My path to nursing began with a deep-seated desire to make a difference in people's lives, which was further strengthened by witnessing the impact of compassionate healthcare providers in my own life experiences.
Defining Professional Nursing Practice
My personal definition of nursing is providing high-quality selfless care for the patient with the goal of alleviating suffering and bettering one’s life. Nursing involves so much more than administering medication and carrying out orders. Nursing, to me, is all about the relationship established with the patient and understanding their perspective. Being a nurse means being a friend, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and a patient advocate. Essential elements of nursing consist of compassion, maintaining dignity, alertness, attentiveness, competence, responsibility, and respect.
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There is an age-old debate regarding if nursing is considered an art or a science. To me, it is a beautiful blend of the two. I believe the science aspect comes from years of schooling and medical experience. The art aspect comes from the qualities, values, and beliefs of the nurse.
Nursing is an art because one must possess the art of discernment, connecting with people, and gaining the trust of others in order to fully fulfill the role. One must possess the art of knowing when to speak up, when to be tough, and when to be sympathetic. The art of coming up with creative ways to uplift patients and families on the most difficult days of their lives. The art of being able to sense when something is wrong and anticipating needs. As a nurse, it is also essential that one master the art of prioritization, time management, and the art of being flexible in varied situations. In the nursing field, one is constantly iterating with diverse populations so the art of being self-reflective and aware of biases is important. Lastly, with the nature of the job, the art of active listening and effective communication between patients, families, and physicians is essential.
Just as much as nursing is an art, I believe it is equally a science. The human body is extremely complex, and a nurse must possess an understanding of anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology to safely deliver care. Nurses should be well-versed in medical terms, procedures, medication dosages, and side effects. They must also study and thoroughly understand symptoms and precautionary actions to be taken in regard to patient illness. As new research is continually being released, it is the responsibility of the nurse to be aware of the latest best nursing practices. My understanding of nursing science is deeply influenced by Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory. Her 13 fundamental canons about the patient's environment - including cleanliness, ventilation, noise management, light, and proper diet - continue to guide my practice today. I've seen firsthand how implementing these principles in modern healthcare settings significantly impacts patient recovery and well-being.
Philosophy in Clinical Practice
Health can be defined in numerous ways. In my opinion, the definition of health is more than merely the absence of illness or disease. It is a junction between total mental, spiritual, and physical well-being and optimal functioning. In order to assist patients in achieving total health, I believe it is important that each patient should be treated as an individual and not a number. As a nurse practitioner, I do not want to be a part of an organization that values the number of patients seen over the quality of care provided. To maintain this high standard of care, I am committed to continuous professional development. Healthcare is rapidly evolving, with new research and evidence-based practices emerging regularly. I actively pursue opportunities for learning, whether through formal education, peer collaboration, or learning from my patients' unique experiences. This commitment to growth enables me to provide the most current and effective care possible.
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Every person has a different set of values and experiences. As a provider, I do not believe in using a set treatment for every patient with similar symptoms. I want to develop a personal relationship with my patients in order to create a customized treatment plan that works best with the patient. Along with individualized care, I also feel strongly about providing holistic care to each patient. When a patient presents to me with an issue, not only will I address the presenting issue, but I will also investigate the factors contributing to the presenting issue. These other contributing factors may include diet, lifestyle, stress, and environment.
The environment in which a person is raised and currently inhabitants has a huge impact on a person’s health and the health of their family. According to The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), maintaining a healthy environment is central to increasing quality of life and years of healthy life. Globally, 23% of all deaths and 26% of deaths among children under age 5 are due to preventable environmental factors (2014). The World Health Organization (WHO), defines environment as all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviors (n.d). Many factors are to be considered when evaluating a person’s environment, such as: are there good schools, are there good jobs in which people can make a decent living, are there any grocery stores nearby, are there safe places to exercise, is it a stressful environment riddled with fast food restaurants and liqueur stores. The health inequities in America are known, and my passion is to work in the underserved populations who do not have the same opportunities to be healthy due to the environment. I will work to provide resources and work with legislators to make a change. Because I believe that it is a basic American right for every citizen to have the same opportunities to be healthy and lead a productive life.
Looking ahead, I envision myself not only providing direct patient care but also becoming a change agent in healthcare delivery. I aim to contribute to policy development that addresses healthcare disparities and promotes equal access to quality care. This involves working with community leaders, participating in professional organizations, and mentoring future nurses to create sustainable positive change in healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
My view of person takes into count the mental, spiritual, and physical aspects of being. To be able to get to know each patient to this level requires dedication, and consistency. To think of the person fully, I believe you also must think of the role they play in their family. As a family nurse practitioner, not only am I to provide best care to the patient, but I am to care for the patient’s entire family. Through my journey in nursing, I've come to understand that being a nurse means being part of a proud profession that continually evolves while maintaining its core values. I take pride in contributing to the positive public image of nursing through demonstration of professional excellence, ethical practice, and leadership. This professional identity shapes not only how I practice but also how I advocate for my patients and profession.
In closing, as an advanced practice nurse, I vow to uphold the ethical standards of the American Nurses Association and my personal values by providing high-quality, safe care and maintaining patient privacy and rights. I strive to be a patient advocate, educator, and role model for healthy health practices. I believe each patient should be treated individually and holistically. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to care for patients as a nurse and future provider. I will continuously hold myself accountable to the standards I have set for myself in this paper.
References
Hoeve, Y. T., Jansen, G., & Roodbol, P. (2014). The nursing profession: public image, self‐concept and professional identity. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(2), 295-309. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12177
Medeiros, A. B., Enders, B. C., & Lira, A. L. (2015). Florence Nightingale's environmental theory: A critical analysis. Escola Anna Nery, 19(3), 518-524. https://doi.org/10.5935/1414-8145.20150069
Mercer, S. W., & Reynolds, W. J. (2002). Empathy and quality of care. The British Journal of General Practice, 52(Suppl), S9-12.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2014). Environmental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health topics: Environmental health. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/environmental-health
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