Nursing is both an art and a science, which incorporates knowledge, interpersonal skills, expertise and provision of care. This discipline provides a unique contribution to health promotion, restoration and support of patients and their families. Care is expressed through a holistic approach, which attempts to meet the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of each patient and their family. The rights, dignity, privacy, confidentiality and individual differences and needs are incorporated into every encounter with patient and family. Effective nursing practice and leadership are very important parts of the nursing profession. Critical thinking is also essential to nurses on a daily basis when they are expected to assess situations, define and resolve problem, identify goals, develop a plan of care and finally evaluate the care provided in order to achieve successful outcomes. I believe that treating patients and their family with respect, courtesy and integrity while acknowledging their cultural and religious beliefs is essential in implementing a plan of care.

As a nurse being culturally competent is crucial to applying therapeutic care and proving interventions to specified patient problems. The most important part of nursing for me is knowing that patients are provided the best quality care and educated on issues related to their disease while being given a chance to ask questions with answers provided. I feel good about myself knowing that I rendered the specific patient care recommended by the physician and I’m able to go home with no concerns. It makes me happy when patients come back after being discharged and thank the staff or write letter or thank you cards to the department head related to the great care provided to them, by the nursing staff, just knowing how grateful they feel and appreciative they are makes me complete. I strive to obtain a culturally competent state of mind in the process of exhibiting my commitment to health by attempting to foster harmony in the physical, emotional, sociocultural and spiritual environment of my patients. I definitely consider myself an  advocate of nurses’ involvement in continuing education as they strive to acquire knowledge and participate in research related to evidence-based practice and innovative technology as we emerge into the 21st century.