Philosophy of Nursing

NURS 300- Introduction to Theories and Concepts I

NURS 431- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this assignment was to give the student the opportunity to reflect on their
personal view of the nursing field. This includes what I initially thought of who a nurse was,
what their purpose in healthcare was, and how they performed their interventions. By completing
this assignment I was able to gain a clear aspect of the knowledge gained in regards to nursing
care.
Student Approach to Assignment
Personal philosophies drive who and what we are as people, and guide our actions and
attitude towards others. By making myself aware of the precipitating morals and values, I am
able to see why I chose to act in the manner in which I have acted. This gives me the opportunity
to rediscover the influences the lead me to this field of study and build upon that influence as
well. By completing this assignment I was able to understand how my personal values influence
the care that I provide as well as the manner in which I have changed to provide care consistent
with what my patients believe.
Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio
This assignment is a reminder that who I decide to be will inevitably affect the care that I give. I
found it a valuable and informative task that clarified the understanding of nursing practice. This
required portfolio assignment utilized the following program objectives used in the Old
Dominion School of Nursing.
Critical Thinking
Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.
Example: In this paper I discussed Orems self-care theory, Nightingales
environmental theory, and Maslows hierarchy of human needs that now guide my
practice. Theories differ in terms of approach to the patient and are therefore
important in order to give individual treatment plans. We can use such theories to
advocate for our patients within the healthcares multidisciplinary environment.
Leadership
Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the
interdisciplinary health care team.

Example: In this paper I was able to relate the purpose of nursing with other members
of the healthcare team. Nurses are the patient advocate to the rest of the healthcare team.
We fight for the patients autonomy in care as well as the quality of care that is given. I
described nurses as the glue that held the care team together as I feel we provide much

more than just physical response to treatment, but utilize multiple points of knowledge of
other disciplines to better the care of the patient.
Professionalism
Applies an ethical decision-making framework and legal guidelines to clinical situations
that incorporate moral concepts, professional ethics, and advocacy for patient well-being
and preferences.
Example: In the paper, I stated that respect for persons and respect for autonomy, are
two principals that I share in common with the ANA. I further comprehended the
relationship of these values to the biblical principles. These beliefs help me to
advocate for all people rather than just those who I share common morals and beliefs
with.