Intensive Care, Outpatient Surgery, Aesthetics, Education, and Nursing Leadership
You may have heard about nursing philosophies during your first few weeks of school, but have you thought about it much since then?
Probably not, but that’s totally okay; I was in the same boat as you.
Your individual beliefs and philosophies help to shape the person that you are; this is no different for the nurse you are now, and want to become.
A nursing philosophy is a spitting image of the individual beliefs and morals that you possess, and how you apply them into your practice.
Do you see where I’m going with this? Keep reading!
Nursing is more than treating an illness. It is holding a hand, easing anxiety, and bringing comfort amid uncertainty and fear.
The University of St. Augustine defines a nursing philosophy as “a statement that outlines a nurse’s values, ethics, and beliefs, as well as their motivation for being part of the profession.”
Although there may be a handbook that outlines what this might be for your workplace, a nursing philosophy should be personalized to fit who you are as a person and as a nurse.
Duquesne University’s School of Nursing highlights the importance of creating individual nursing philosophies and includes initial questions you can ask yourself prior to developing your own; check them out:
It is helpful to have an idea of your personal nursing philosophy as you begin your first job as a new nurse; however, your experiences shape you, just as in life.
As you progress through your career, the encounters with your patients, their families, and other surrounding healthcare professionals, as well as the knowledge you gain along the way, will shape your nursing philosophy.
Nurses overcome obstacles and challenges every day, both physically and emotionally; having your own personal philosophy is what grounds you.
It is more than likely a group of beliefs of why you entered the nursing profession, to care for the sake of others.
So, during these times, when the job gets the best of you and you feel burned out, your nursing philosophy is what drives you, returns you, and allows you to overcome the hurdles.
It truly can help guide you throughout your career, and maybe even open your eyes to a field of nursing that you had not had any interest in before, but it perfectly aligns with your beliefs and values.
Make an impact, re-center your thoughts, and remember why you are a nurse.
I know today more than ever, you may be burned out and ready to throw in the towel, but take a step back, reflect upon your practice and all the hard work you have put in to get where you are.
Your patients will thank you; and in the end, it is all about them.
Nursing is more than treating an illness. It is holding a hand, easing anxiety, and bringing comfort amid uncertainty and fear.
One must remember, patients are not a room number or a disease process, they are an individual, worthy of care and love.
My nursing philosophy: Applying my expertise and knowledge, along with my experience and compassion, I know that I can provide the patient with the highest level of care that they most certainly deserve.
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