Philosophy of Nursing

Assignment Brief

Philosophy of Nursing

Content:

Address the following topics as you begin to think about yourself as a nurse and about being a member of this profession. You may, of course, include additional topics you feel are important to your personal philosophy:

1. About you: Influential experiences, individuals, and/or values that influenced your thoughts and views about nursing. What led you to nursing? Include your “why” here. Type of learner: How do you LEARN/PROCESS INFORMATION the best?

   1. Professional goals. Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

   2. Current social or political issues of most interest to you professionally

2. Meaning of “health” and “illness” to you.

3. Recipients of care: Do you feel it is a right or privilege?

4. Roles of professional nursing in health care, and roles that are not within nursing’s realm.

5. Ideal qualifications to be a professional nurse

6. Future of the profession

7. Provide an example how nursing’s past affects its present and future.

8. Other information you wish to include

Sample Answer

Philosophy of Nursing: A Personal Reflection

Introduction

Nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling shaped by compassion, learning, and a commitment to human well-being. My philosophy of nursing has developed through personal experiences, education, and exposure to the challenges faced by patients and healthcare workers. This reflection explores the values and motivations that have guided me toward nursing, my learning style, professional goals, and my understanding of health, illness, and the evolving role of nurses in society.

Personal Background and Motivation

My journey toward nursing began through early exposure to caregiving. Watching dedicated nurses care for my ill relatives made me realize how deeply empathy and skill can influence recovery. I was inspired not only by their medical competence but also by the comfort and dignity they brought to patients. This experience, combined with my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, shaped my decision to pursue nursing. My “why” is simple yet powerful: to help people heal, not only physically but also emotionally, and to be a source of support during their most vulnerable moments.

Learning Style and Personal Development

I learn best through active engagement and visual learning. I process information most effectively when I can observe, practice, and reflect on real-life scenarios. Simulations, case studies, and hands-on experiences allow me to connect theory with practice. I also find that collaborative learning, where ideas and experiences are shared, strengthens my understanding and improves my communication skills, an essential trait in nursing.

Professional Goals and Future Vision

In five years, I envision myself working as a registered nurse in a clinical setting, focusing on patient-centered care and continuous learning. In ten years, I hope to be a nurse educator or practitioner, contributing to both direct care and the training of future nurses. I also aim to engage in community health initiatives that address health inequalities and promote preventive care.

Social and Political Issues in Nursing

One of the issues that deeply interests me is the shortage of nurses and the stress placed on healthcare workers. Policies related to staffing, wages, and workplace safety have a direct impact on patient outcomes. Additionally, I am passionate about advocating for equal access to healthcare, particularly for underserved populations. I believe that nursing professionals should play an active role in policy discussions to ensure fair and effective healthcare delivery.

Understanding Health and Illness

To me, health is not just the absence of disease; it is a state of physical, emotional, and social well-being. Illness, on the other hand, represents an imbalance, whether caused by physical, psychological, or social factors. Nursing care, therefore, must go beyond treating symptoms and aim to restore holistic wellness, respecting each patient’s individuality and cultural background.

Recipients of Care

I believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Every individual deserves access to compassionate, competent care regardless of social or economic status. This belief forms the ethical foundation of my nursing philosophy and drives my commitment to equitable healthcare.

Roles and Boundaries of Professional Nursing

The role of professional nursing extends far beyond administering medications or following doctors’ orders. Nurses are educators, advocates, communicators, and caregivers who play a central role in maintaining patient safety and promoting health literacy. However, nurses must also recognize the boundaries of their practice, diagnosing and prescribing without proper authority, for example, falls outside nursing’s professional scope. Maintaining this balance protects both patients and the integrity of the profession.

Continued...