My Philosophy of Nursing.

I believe nursing as a whole is a profession of improving the health status of individuals within an acute setting such as a hospital. It is an unfortunate reality that like anything else in life there is a chance that even our own bodies can suffer “performance issues” and require treatment. Unlike the simple task of repairing a faulty mechanism or fixing up the roof, the process of treating human beings requires a dignified approach. A leaky faucet does not have the right to tell the plumber that it feels just fine and is refuses to be replaced. It is simply replaced because that is the decision of the mechanic. Many health care practitioners view themselves within the role of that “mechanic” that knows better and feel as if they have an absolute right to decide what needs to be done. In health care, the nurse is that advocate that mediates between the objective goals of treating the patient’s health status and the patient’s dignity in receiving that health care.

My nursing is understanding first and foremost. In my experience in and outside of practice, understanding between human beings is the key to achieving goals. One of my major issues as a nurse working with patients with intellectual disabilities was and still is noncompliance with a medication regimen or medical care. To my great shock, I was the one held responsible for their noncompliance and was told that I needed to address it. As you can imagine, it is an intimidating task. Still, before I made any directives I knew that I needed to understand my clients better. I interviewed them and got to know them. I knew I had no right to ask anything of them without knowing anything about them. I learned that their noncompliance usually was rooted within a feeling of powerlessness. My clients felt that by refusing to take their medication or not going on appointments they were able to stand up for themselves. After learning this about my clients I decided that I wouldn’t seek to fulfill my agenda of having perfect compliance with medications or having everyone up to date with their medical care before making sure that my clients feel in control of their health care. I educate them about their choices and their right to refuse. I frequently contact the primary care providers and psychiatrists to inform them of the clients’ requests and seek a change with which my clients would be comfortable. I do not believe that I know better than my clients. If a situation appears that way, then I have not done my duty in properly informing and educating my client.

My goal as a nurse is having clients who are able to advocate for themselves and their health care. I know full well that I will not be their nurse forever, but I seek to nurture within them an ability that they can keep long after I am gone. I am to ensure that my clients understand their rights in health care and feel comfortable with trusting their health care provider and knowing that they will be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Thank you,

Istan Utiashev RN