My Nursing Philosophical Statement

It began as a simple childhood promise, one that firmly took root, and was nourished, enriched, and sometimes tested, by every stop along life’s journey. It continues to evolve today, not as a childhood promise, but, instead as an adult calling. Simply put, I did not “find” nursing. Nursing “found” me.

Nursing is derived from Latin and defined as “to nourish” (etymonline 2012) and from early on, I consistently recall being “self-cast” in the role of “helper.” It happened in the sandbox and in the schoolyard and more recently in the workplace and on the college campus. I have done what I could, when I could, to help in any possible way. Whether it was sharing a pail and shovel, keeping a secret, staying late after a work shift, or volunteering my time at school I am giving a piece of myself. Selflessness is the hallmark of a true nurse.

However, there have been struggles along the way that would make the person I am and the nurse I will become. I was diagnosed with asthma at a young age and watching the “team approach” to healthcare, with my well-being the common goal, I was mesmerized by the cooperative effort put forth on behalf of just one child. Although I didn’t know it at the time, this would have a remarkable impact on me. Working as part of a team is a hallmark of a true nurse.

There was also a time when my commitment to nursing would be tested. First, came the loss of my paternal grandmother to Type II diabetes. More recently, diabetes would touch my family twice more and today my maternal grandmother and my Father continue to struggle in its grip. As a daughter, granddaughter, and often caregiver my choice was of nursing as a profession was solidified, teaching me patience, humility and respect in the face of disease. Nursing icon Florence Nightingale once remarked “Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift.” (Nightingale, 1852). I have learned that life is precious and each patient is worthy of love and respect. Compassion is a hallmark of a true nurse.

Education is also a factor shaping my choice. Every lecture I attend, every page I read, every test I take, brings me one step closer to the ultimate goal. That, complemented by my work experience as a tech at Laurel Regional Hospital, brings my education full circle. However, I realize there will always be more new things to learn and it is welcome in my world. “The trained nurse has become one of the greatest blessings of humanity,” says education career articles.com (educationcareerarticles.com). A thirst for knowledge, both formal and practical, is the hallmark of a true nurse.

Indeed, from what began as a child and evolved into adulthood, the choice of nursing as a profession continues to define who I am. From my early roles as helper, patient and caregiver to more recent experiences as student and employee, nursing is now both a promise and a calling. As I continue to evolve I have one query and that is a query itself. What is the biggest challenge facing nurses today? The answer will undoubtedly change over time but will come to me soon enough when I embark on my chosen career.

My Nursing Philosophical Statement is as follows: To selflessly help the patient achieve better health by working in a team environment and providing care with compassion and respect and continually looking for new ways to add to the patient’s quality of life.