Philosophy of Nursing

Nursing is a wonderful profession that has the ability to touch the lives of many through

the acts of service, compassion, and empathy. Nurses have the opportunity to help others obtain

their highest level of health and wellbeing and make a positive impact on their societies. Though

everyone has a different viewpoint on their own nursing practice, my philosophy of nursing

recognizes the science, human, culturally competent, and team-based aspects of nursing that I

hope to uphold thought the entirety of my career.

Nursing is an evidence-based science. It requires nurses to have a solid, in-depth

understanding of mechanisms of action of medications, pathophysiology, and manifestations of

medical issues and disease processes that they integrate to be able to view and treat the patient.

Nurses have the responsibility to remain informed by the most up-to-date research which guides

the basis and formulation of patient plan of care. They should always seek to implement the

latest evidenced based interventions to lessen the research-practice gap to provide quality patient

care.

Just as importantly though, nursing is not just a science, but it requires humanness,

patience, fortitude, and genuine care and empathy for others. Anyone can be taught skills or

pathophysiology, but without the desire to help people, nurses would be unable to be that support

system that patients need to be able to conquer a difficult time. Nurses should strive to build a

relationship with their patients, one in which they view the person holistically. I believe that

nursing is more than just curing the illness. It is promoting health and wellbeing and empowering

patients to take charge of their health. Therefore, nurses should take into consideration not just

the body, but the mind and spirit, as well, and encourage patients to view themselves as capable

of obtaining their highest level of health.

 Nurses should always strive to provide care that is culturally competent. Regardless of

personal identity, beliefs, or backgrounds, patients deserve excellent care. Nurses need to educate

themselves on the different cultures of the patients that they may encounter to effectively serve

the needs of all patients. However, they should not use that as an opportunity to stereotype

patients. All patients deserved to be treated with respect, and nurses need to work to ensure their

human dignity is upheld.

Finally, nursing is a team effort. It requires the collaboration of the rest of the

interdisciplinary healthcare team to translate into seamless patient care. The healthcare team

should support one another, take accountability for their actions, and communicate effectively

and efficiently. So much more is able to be accomplished when the team acts as a collective unit.

Nurses should work to build a healthy work environment that is supportive and facilitates growth

and development of all staff members.

This is my overall philosophy of nursing. I plan to use this to guide my career and the

care I provide to patients. By doing so, I hope to serve the members of my community and

contribute to a healthier, happier society.