Identify intrinsic beliefs about professional nursing. Writing a philosophy provides a deeper connection to those beliefs. A personal philosophy helps shape the professional self and provides direction for a successful, meaningful career. This assignment intends to start a life-long, professional review of attitudes, beliefs, and values regarding key components of nursing practice and patient care.
write a personal philosophy using the criteria from the philosophy rubric to discuss their beliefs, attitudes, and values regarding the four domains of the nursing metaparadigm (person, environment, health, nursing).
Sample Answer
A Personal Philosophy of Professional Nursing Practice
Introduction
A personal nursing philosophy serves as the ethical and professional compass guiding all clinical decisions and interactions. It is a continuous review of the intrinsic beliefs, attitudes, and values that define one's professional self and ensures a meaningful, patient-centered career. This philosophy is constructed upon the foundational pillars of the nursing metaparadigm: Person, Environment, Health, and Nursing. By examining my core beliefs within these four domains, I establish a clear direction for providing comprehensive, compassionate, and equitable care.
The Domain of the Person
My fundamental belief is that the Person—the recipient of care, whether an individual, family, group, or community—is a holistic and invaluable entity. Each person possesses inherent dignity, autonomy, and self-determination. I believe:
Individuality is Paramount: Every person comes with a unique history, cultural background, and set of life experiences that influence their perception of illness and healing. Care must be individualized and never prescriptive.
Partnership and Autonomy: The patient is the expert in their own lived experience. The nurse's role is not to dictate, but to educate and empower, fostering a partnership where the patient makes informed choices regarding their own care plan.
Holistic View: A person is more than a diagnosis; they are a complex integration of mind, body, and spirit. Effective care must address physical symptoms alongside emotional, social, and spiritual needs.