Nursing Philosophy

Like most people in the healthcare profession, I am motivated by altruism or the desire to help people. I chose nursing above all other healthcare positions because I believe nursing is one of the best ways to help those in need. Unlike physicians, I spend the majority of my time with patients, focusing on their needs, and actually treating their issues. As the Evidence-Based Practice Note describes (Chitty & Black, 2010, p. 73), I agree that providing patient-centered care is one of the preferred qualities in a nurse, and I am committed to that. Although some people may consider nursing to be a "thankless" job, I know the importance that nurses hold in the healthcare system and I intend on holding that value in high regard when I graduate. The services nurses provide are vital to humanity and the welfare of society, and that is not something that should be taken lightly.

My vision for myself as a nurse is that I will make a difference in other peoples' lives. Through my own personal experiences, I understand that the healthcare system can be difficult to navigate and even harder to understand. More often than not, patients (particularly children) are afraid of being in a healthcare setting. And more often than not, the healthcare setting is intimidating. Unfortunately, it can be a sterile environment, not only in the physical sense, but also in an emotional sense. Diagnosing patients is routine, but while it may be routine for doctors, it is not for the patient. Whether we are aware of it or not, we deliver information that alters lives. As such, I can empathize with patients and their families and do my best to make their experience easier.

In order to live out my nursing philosophy, I must remember on a daily basis that my patients ultimately need my help. Considering that doctors spend less and less time with their patients, I can fill a vital need of caring not only for the physical needs of the patients, but also for their emotional well-being. In turn, I also know that my fellow healthcare professionals, from doctors to healthcare secretaries, have emotional needs. They are under pressure, need encouragement, and appreciate the value of teamwork. We are all human and have good days as well as bad days. Perhaps more than most professions, working as a team with high levels of respect for all members, no matter the hierarchy of the profession, is of utmost importance to the health care profession.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I need to be sure that my own health is prioritized. After all, if I do not keep myself healthy, there is no way I can keep others healthy. This goes for all aspects of health: physical, mental, and emotional. Working with sick people means that I will have high exposure to germs that can make me sick, so I obviously need to keep myself safe. This is easy to do compared to the more difficult parts of my future job that require emotional and mental well-being. I can put on plastic gloves to keep me physically safe, but staying emotionally and mentally healthy will require daily commitments to self-reflection and making sure I take the time to laugh. After all, like the adage says: laughter is the best medicine. 

Reference

Chitty, K.K. & Black, B.P. (2010). Professional nursing: Concepts and challenges (6th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Saunders Elsevier.