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Personal Philosophy Statement
Name
Down State Health Sciences University
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Personal Philosophy Statement
Being a nurse requires passion, commitment, and dedication. For this reason, my nursing
philosophy is that nursing is more than a career. Nursing is a privilege accepted by individuals
who are passionate about their knowledge and skills to help others who cannot help themselves.
As mentioned by Cingel & Brouwer, (2021) nursing is a work of heart. The best approach to
finding yourself is losing yourself in the service of humanity.
At the core of my nursing philosophy lies my belief in the provision of holistic care. I
believe that each of my patients is unique with disparate needs that transcend beyond their
physical condition. For instance, I took care of a patient battling cancer who also contended with
feelings of fear, despair, and isolation. Engaging with the patient spiritually and emotionally, I
was able to provide relief, hope, and comfort that helped to ameliorate the patient's condition and
complement the treatment. From this experience, I learned that effective care should center
around addressing the whole individual fostering treatment across multiple domains.
Correspondingly, I am an ardent believer in patient advocacy. I have come to understand
the significance of standing up for my client's preferences and rights. There was an instant when
a patient was unsure about a proposed surgical procedure. I listened to the patient's concerns,
acknowledged her feelings, and provided the client with the requisite information pertaining to
the procedure and its benefits. Commensurate with Black, (2022) advocating for patient
autonomy and ensuring that they feel empowered in their decision is critical to ensuring care is
delivered effectively, safely, and ethically as well as ensuring patients are in a position to make
informed decisions concerning their care. As such, advocacy is not only a responsibility but also
a privilege that allows me to empower my patients.
Besides, commitment to lifelong learning is the linchpin of my nursing philosophy.
During my early years in the nursing philosophy, I encountered a case that involved a patient
with multiple comorbidities. I felt unsure and overwhelmed. Nonetheless, I asked my supervisor
for additional mentorship and training which helped me attain the necessary insights and
resources for continued learning opportunities. The experiences enhanced my proficiency and
nursing skills along with bolstered my confidence and ability to grow and adapt. I now look for
opportunities for learning as I understand that each experience is integral in contributing to my
professional development and the welfare of my patients.
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The ethical framework that guides my practice and decision-making is the principles of
beneficence and non-maleficence. There was a situation in which I was taking care of a patient
who was in extreme pain after surgery. I experienced the challenge of managing acute pain while
focusing on minimizing the risk of addiction to opioids. Through effective collaboration with
healthcare professionals, we managed to develop a concrete pain management plan that engirded
alternative therapies such as mindfulness techniques and physical therapy. The experience
bolstered my commitment to balancing the need to do good while protecting my patients from
harm underscoring the complexities of ethical making in this practice.
Subsequently, compassion is one of the values that I embody. My experiences have taught
me that compassion does not only revolve around the provision of care but also providing
emotional support and being there for my patients (Cingel & Brouwer, 2021). Compassion
allows me to foster a sense of trust and create a deeper connection which is fundamental for
effective and compassionate care.
For me, theory provides a framework that guides my nursing practice. It provides a
foundation for making decisions and helps to extrapolate the unique role of my practice in
providing patient and holistic care. Theory helps me to focus on the whole individual, the
environment, and my role in promoting overall wellness. Theory is integral for advanced
medicine as helps in the application of evidence-based practices. it helps in providing a rationale
for why some interventions as effective and helps understand the underlying mechanisms of
these interventions.
As I reflect on my practice, I can examine how my philosophy translates into
individualized care. I seek to create an environment where my patients feel cared for, heard, and
valued. I engage with my clients to help them understand their unique needs. In doing this, I have
been able to create meaningful relationships and improve the satisfaction of my patients
reinforcing my commitment to quality holistic care.
In conclusion, my relationship with my practice is a reflective and dynamic framework
that helps to guide my practice. Through my beliefs in lifelong learning, advocacy, and holistic
care I strive to provide quality and patient-centered care. My ethical framework is rooted in the
principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Upholding these values such as integrity and
compassion helps me to connect with not only my patients but also my professional team.
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Engaging in continuous reflection helps me to remain committed to professional and personal
growth. My experiences have shaped my philosophy which continues to reinforce the significant
influence that nursing has on our community.
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References
Black, B. (2022). Professional nursing-e-book: concepts & challenges. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Cingel, M. v., & Brouwer, J. (2021). What makes a nurse today? A debate on the nursing
professional identity and its need for change. Nursing philosophy, 22(2), e12343.
