My Philosophy of Nursing
Nursing is a profession of caring, compassion, healing, good judgment, and trustworthiness. It combines science, technology and critical thinking to care for the sick, and to help keep the healthy from becoming sick. I personally chose the profession because it gives me the opportunity to live out my purpose, which is to help others improve their physical and mental well being through health and wellness promotion. I also find gratification in seeing others get better over time, and in passing on my nursing knowledge. It is my desire to see that my patients’ overall health is improved and maintained to allow them the best possible quality of life.
A good nurse brings effective communication skills, individualized quality patient care, and respect for patients’ values, beliefs, and privacy. I use Watson’s Theory, which states: “Nursing is concerned with promoting health, preventing illness, caring for the sick, and restoring health.” (Wayne, 2014). Throughout my career, I will adhere to the ethical principles of beneficence, veracity and fidelity. I believe that as a nurse, interactions with our patients should be clear (to their level of understanding) and truthful. The patient, their needs, and values should come first. Nurses should not only have a passion to help the patient, but also a desire to see an improvement in healthcare as a whole. The profession of nursing is very broad, and as healthcare continues to evolve, it is important that we use our expertise to contribute to the wellness of the community in some way. This can be through becoming involved in advocacy groups, leadership roles, policy making, or other professional organizations. I believe that we should embrace the responsibility of staying knowledgeable, being a team player, and supporting the well-being of our patients and our colleagues.
