Nursing is a profession that focused on the care of the individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain or recover optimal health and quality of life.  Nursing is also advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and health systems management and education.

Human caring is to feel concern about. It is that feeling you get when a friend is hurt; a family member is sick; and you get the urge to care for them.  It is the desire to help and be there for someone.  It is treating others with love, compassion because it is just a natural thing to do.  I like Dr. Watson’s definition of human caring that says “caring begins with being present, open to compassion, mercy, gentleness, loving-kindness, and equanimity toward and with self before one can offer compassionate care to others” (Watson, 2008. p 18).  As nurses, we employ practices that are restorative, supportive and promotive in nature.  It is also imperative for a nurse to know their specific duties and commitment, therefore the social purpose of nursing practice is to guide nurses in the application of their professional skills and responsibility and accountability to the society that it serves.   The scope of practice describes the “who, what, where, when, why and how of nursing practice.  As defined by the Nursing’s Social Policy Statement, (Second Edition (2003), nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations.

Dr. Watson’s ideas on caring help me to reflect on the value of caring to my life and its implication to my vocation or calling.  It also challenges me to ask myself about my own perceptions and opinions on caring in my delivery of nursing service.

I have chosen a poem to express my philosophy of nursing and caring.  That poem is based on Proverbs 31 from the bible.  I chose this poem because I can relate nursing and caring for my patient as being a virtuous woman.  As professional nurses, regardless of roles, population, or specialty, we have the duty and are expected to perform competently.  We carry out our professional commitments and activities with meticulous care, with a generous measure of performance, and with fidelity toward those whom we serve.  Honesty, understanding, gentleness, and patience should characterize all the acts of a nurse, as it is the same of a virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31.

Who can find a good-natured Nurse?

For her price is far above silver and gold.

She seeks medicines and skills,

And works willingly with others.

 

She gives of herself

And considers her own desires last.

A heartwarming smile is hers,

And is made beautiful in her eyes.

 

She girds herself with honor

And strengthens her ability with patience.

She perceives that her work is good.

Her candle does not go out by night.

She lays her hands upon understanding.

 

She stretches out her hand to the poor;

Yet, she reaches forth hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of sorrow,

For her trust is in God.

Pride and humility are her clothing,

And she shall rejoice in time to come.

 

She opens her mouth with comfort,

And in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Her associates rise up and call her blessed;

Her patients also praise her kindness.

 

Many daughters have helped others,

But you excel them all.

 

Favor is deceitful,

And beauty is vain.

But a Nurse that 
fears the Lord —

She shall be praised!

 

By Lois Sigmon Turley, RN.