Introduction
A personal philosophy of nursing is developed through a person’s experience in a nursing field. The philosophy of nursing is the attitude that nurses have towards life and reality emerging from the beliefs of these individuals (Edwards, 1997). The philosophy of nursing determines the performance of nurses in their workstations and the attitude that they have towards their work. The following essay discusses the personal philosophy and vision for nursing.
Major Values, Attributes, and Concepts
Throughout the short practice in nursing, I have developed a personal philosophy that stems from major values, attributes, and concepts from the field. One of the major personal values in nursing is the value of caring. In this nursing value, I provide care to the patients when they need medical attention. The second value is integrity where I demonstrate dignity and moral reason when dealing with the patients (Benner, 2013).
The favorable attributes that contribute to personal nursing attributes include respect for life and faith. Though currently a scientific profession, nursing requires faith as a guide in the treatment of patients (Edwards, 1997). In addition, the respect for life allows me to offer the best services to my patients with the intention of preserving life. Generosity is also a personal attribute that allows me to provide services to patients irrespective of their age and ability. The other attribute is hard work, which enables me to provide care to most patients whole still offering the best services.
The concepts that are useful to the personal philosophy of nursing include the concepts of care and leadership. As a nurse, I am expected to provide quality care to patients at the health facilities and communities. In addition, the care must be evidence-based and relevant to the patients (June, 2004). The leadership concept enables the provision of goals and direction in the line of nursing. These ensure that the different members of the team are motivated and work as a team. These values, attributes, and concepts are critical to the profession of nursing.
Related Nursing Theory and Principles
There are several nursing theories and principles of nursing theories that correlate with the personal philosophy of nursing. The most significant of these theories is the King’s theory of goal attainment (Benner, 2013). Nightingale’s environment theory is also useful because it links my nursing practice to the social and environmental factors relevant to nursing care. The other theory that is significant is the Kolkaba’s theory of comfort that states that human beings are always seeking a comfort zone. In utilizing this theory, I aim to make my patients as comfortable as possible in the illness and after they recover from their condition.
The nursing theories discussed are aligned to the personal philosophy of nursing. The theories guide the personal provision of nursing care. In addition, these theories provide a benchmark in relation to the nursing services that patients need while at the health facility (Austgard, 2006). According to Parse (1981), nursing theories and principles inform the delivery of care to patients. These are developed with the intention of ensuring the best care for patients in a manner that respects the patient and the caregiver. Unlike some of the nursing theories, the personal nursing philosophy is based on the personal competencies. Consequently, I provide nursing services that are available at the point of care.
Changes
The personal philosophy of nursing has been instrumental in influencing the change experienced throughout the nursing program. Initially, my perception of nursing was a career that is aimed at providing care to patients alone. However, the provision of services in nursing also includes the society within which the patients are located. My personal nursing philosophy has enabled me to change my perception of the patient. Early in the course, I thought the patient was an unfortunate individual that could be helped only by medical interventions. However, the personal concept of care changed my perception of patients. I started looking at the different needs of the patient in a holistic manner.
The other way that the personal nursing philosophy has influenced my practice is through strengthening my confidence in handling patients. Initially, my fear of disease limited contact with patients. The personal philosophy taught me that patients are ordinary human beings with special needs. These needs are met by medical, psychological, social, and environmental interventions in institutions and the community (Parse, 2010). Additionally, the personal nursing philosophy has enabled me to develop goals in care of patients and in nursing practice. Currently, I can offer services to a diverse group of patients with different health needs. In addition, the personal nursing philosophy has created room for the development of a solid foundation in nursing care.
Vision for the Future of Nursing
My vision for nursing is to transform the profession into a caring one where patients receive the best care available irrespective of their social status or position in society. Nursing will adopt the major theories relevant to care and attract only devoted nurses.
References
Austgard, K. (2006). The aesthetic experience of nursing. Nursing Philosophy, 7(1), 11-19.
Benner, P. (2013). From novice to expert: excellence and power in clinical nursing practice (2ed.). Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.
Edwards, S. D. (1997). What is philosophy of nursing? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 25(13), 1089-1093.
June, K. F. (2004). Towards a philosophic theory of nursing. Nursing Philosophy, 5(9), 79-83.
Parse, R. R. (2010). Man-living- health: A theory of nursing. New York: John Wiley and Son’s.