A philosophy is the personally-held set of beliefs, ethics, and values based on which an individual structures their actions and way of life. A nursing philosophy is the segment of a nurse’s general life philosophy that deals with how he/she handles patient care and other nursing responsibilities. It includes how the nurse recognizes, examines, analyzes, and solves issues which affect patients’ lives.

My personal nursing philosophy is based on the principle I value most in my general life: to treat people in the way I’d like to be treated myself. As a nurse one should respect the patients’ values, beliefs, and traditions and help them satisfy their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. As a nurse one must be ready deal not only with patients, but with their families as well. That is the kind of care I would want and so it is the kind of care I make sure to provide.

During my journey toward becoming a nurse, I have started to understand that nursing is not simply a job that ends when your shift ends; it is a way to think and behave always. The role does not just entail showing compassion for your clients when you are with them, but also educating them so they can help themselves when they are away from you and fighting for their rights when necessary. I think that nursing is not a one way relationship, and the more attention, help, and understanding I provide my patients with, the more warmth and gratification I will receive back from them.

I support Jean Watson’s theory about caring environments because I understand what a large impact environment has on the lives of the people in it. Patient’s social circumstances influence their emotional and physical conditions so nurses should create and maintain sympathetic, protective, and supportive environments for the benefit of their patients. Properly done, the creation of such environments and the giving of a thorough health education can augment patients’ self-confidence and lead to a faster recovery.