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 is to enable the student to rediscover his or her personal philosophy of nursing, as it exists upon the completion of the baccalaureate nursing program. Student Approach to Assignment At the start of my nursing education, I had the opportunity to develop a personal philosophy of nursing. By completing this assignment, I was able to reexamine that philosophy and clarify my values and beliefs as they relate to my nursing practice. Including my nursing philosophy from the beginning and the end of my undergraduate career allows me to showcase how my view and understanding of nursing has changed and expanded and how I am able to apply it to my nursing practice. Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio This required portfolio assignment shows my growth of understanding the depth and breadth of nursing practice as I develop the framework that will guide my career. The following program objectives are highlighted: Critical Thinking Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice. Example: In this assignment I discussed Hildegard Peplaus Interpersonal Relations Theory which was the basis of my original philosophy of nursing and I built on this by adding assumptions regarding nursing based on my beliefs and values and the incorporation of Leiningers Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory, The McGill Universitys Practice-Derived Model and Patricia Benners Model of Skill Acquisition. Communication Uses therapeutic communication within the nurse-patient relationship. Example: My nursing philosophy is all about the importance of therapeutic communication between the nurse and patient for every interaction. I discuss extensively how communication builds trust and rapport and allows the patient to be an active participant in his/her care and to achieve healthcare goals. I embody this philosophy with every patient interaction that I have. Leadership Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the interdisciplinary health care team.

Example: In this assignment I discussed the values of the nursing profession, which include assisting patient in goal attainment with the incorporation of mutual respect and cultural awareness. Professionalism Demonstrates accountability for ones own professional practice. Example: I am accountable to my professional practice by using this paper to define what a nurse is and what he/she is responsible far in regard to patient care and professional performance. I am accountable to my patients by offering them my time to form therapeutic relationships and work with them to set mutual healthcare goals, as well as by remaining empathetic and culturally sensitive. 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: I described the two major principles that guide my nursing practice as cultural awareness and advocacy in regard to all patients and mutual respect between coworkers. These two principles are a combination of my own values gained from clinical experience and also components from the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. Culture Demonstrates sensitivity to personal and cultural definitions of health, and how these beliefs influence an individuals reactions to the illness experience and end of life. Example: My definition of nursing is assisting the individual, family, or community to the degree necessary in achieving health and wellness as defined by the patient, through mutual goal setting and individualized, collaborative and evidence-based intervention. By practicing by this definition, I demonstrate cultural sensitivity to personal definitions of health by allowing the patient to determine what health is for him/her and use this with the influence of personal cultural influences to contribute to mutual goal setting and health promotion. Integrates knowledge of cultural diversity in performing nursing interventions. Example: In this assignment, I discussed my assumption about the nurse- client relationship in a culturally diverse setting and discussed the importance for nurses to identify and acknowledge cultural considerations in order to address them to enhance the nurse-patient relationship.