Developing a Personal Philosophy of Nursing

Introduction

This paper focuses on the fundamental concepts within the field of nursing, particularly through the lens of the nursing metaparadigm which includes nursing, person, environment, and health. It begins by examining and elaborating on these key concepts, drawing upon definitions from renowned nursing theorists and literature. It then goes into how these concepts are mirrored in the philosophy, mission, and vision of a specific healthcare organization, Hackensack Meridian Health, highlighting the alignment between organizational values and nursing principles. The paper then transitions into a more personal interpretation of these concepts, with my own individualized definitions for nursing, person, environment, and health. Building upon this foundation, the paper culminates with my articulation of a personal philosophy of nursing. This philosophy integrates the previously defined concepts and is guided by values such as patient-centered care, ethical practice, and a commitment to continuous learning. It is informed and supported by established nursing theories and models. In short, my personal philosophy sees nursing as both a science and an art in the approach to patient care.

Four Concepts of the Nursing Metaparadigm

Nursing, as defined by Alligood in "Nursing Theorists and Their Work," encompasses the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, the prevention of illness and injury, the alleviation of suffering, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations (Alligood, 2018). This comprehensive definition highlights the diverse roles of nursing, which include health promotion, disease prevention, and patient advocacy, underlying its commitment to holistic patient care.

The concept of person in nursing is central to patient care and is intricately defined by Rogers in "Nursing: Science of Unitary, Irreducible, Human Beings: Updated Edition." Rogers (1992) views the person as a unitary being, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects (Rogers, 1992, p. 25). This perspective underscores the integrity and individuality of each patient, necessitating personalized and comprehensive care.

Nightingale's theory, as outlined in her seminal work "Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not," presents the environment as a critical factor in health and recovery. According to Nightingale (1860), environmental factors, which include physical, psychological, and social conditions, significantly influence the health and well-being of individuals (Nightingale, 1860). Her theory has been foundational in nursing, highlighting how nursing care can actively modify the environment to promote healing and recovery.

The World Health Organization's definition of health, as stated in the "Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference," goes beyond the mere absence of disease or infirmity. Health is described as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being (WHO, 1948). This definition brings to light the holistic nature of health, recognizing the importance of not only physical well-being but also the mental and social aspects of health.

Compare and Contrast with Employer/School Philosophy

Mission: "Transform health care and be recognized as the leader of positive change."

The mission statement is the organization's core purpose and function. For Hackensack Meridian Health, the focus is on transforming health care. This implies a participation in the healthcare industry, and it also suggests actively seeking to change it for the better. Being recognized as a leader in positive change also suggests an ambition to set standards in the healthcare sector.

Vision: "Innovation is in our DNA, compelling us to create a world where: the highest quality care is human-centered, accessible and affordable; we deliver outcomes that matter most; and excellence is the standard."

The vision provides a forward-looking statement about what the organization aspires to achieve in the future. It is more aspirational and long-term than the mission. Hackensack Meridian...

…and social, plays a critical role in an individuals health. Therefore, my approach to nursing involves not only addressing the immediate health concerns but also understanding and mitigating the environmental factors that could impact the patient's well-being.

Continuous learning and professional development form the backbone of my nursing philosophy. In a field as dynamic as healthcare, staying updated with the latest research, practices, and techniques is crucial. Inspired by Benner's "From Novice to Expert" model, I view my professional journey as a continuum of learning and growth. This perspective drives me to seek out new knowledge and skills actively, ensuring that my practice is grounded in the most current and effective methods.

My philosophy aligns with and is supported by established nursing theories and models. Smith & Parker's holistic nursing models reinforce my view of health as a multi-dimensional concept. Watson's Theory of Human Caring resonates with my commitment to patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of relationships, individuality, and the therapeutic potential of caring. These theories provide a theoretical framework that guides and informs my practice, helping me to deliver care that is not only effective but also compassionate and respectful of the individual's needs and experiences.

Overall, my personal philosophy of nursing is a commitment to holistic, patient-centered care, ethical practice, and continuous professional development. It is a philosophy that respects the individuality of each patient, recognizes the comprehensive nature of health, and is grounded in a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement in the nursing practice.

Conclusion

My personal philosophy of nursing resonates with the nursing metaparadigm as well as the mission, vision, and beliefs of Hackensack Meridian Health. My goal is to treat every patient as unique and to adopt a patient-centered approach that is based on continuous learning. This philosophy is supported, moreover, by theory and practice and gives weight to the…