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
Many people think that only the great and famous thinkers of the world develop
philosophies, but we actually develop our own philosophies about situations daily. Our
philosophies, morals, and values guide us in both our professional and personal lives. In this
assignment, I revealed my moral values and religious beliefs that have guided me throughout
nursing school and will continue to guide me through the nursing profession.
Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio
This required assignment revealed my true thoughts and feelings about nursing as a profession. It
shows the framework upon which I will base my professional career as a nurse. The following
program objectives are highlighted:
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 discussed the importance of recognizing the nurse as a
single member of an interdisciplinary team that shares the same goal: quality patient
care. The nurse has the responsibility of professionally collaborating with these other
professionals to ensure that the patient gets the care that they deserve.
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 described two major principles that guide my nursing
practice as respect for autonomy and nonmaleficence. The respect for autonomy
ensures that the nurse is only aiding in the healing and restoration of the patient and
are not making the patient become dependent on them. I applied this principle in a
clinical situation in which there was a patient that was in rehab, and I allowed him to
help himself as much as he could before I stepped in and assisted him.

Nonmalefecence ensures that the nurse will not intentionally hurt or harm the patient.
This promotes a healthy environment and a trusting relationship between the nurse
and patient. I applied this principle in a clinical situation in which my patient was
afraid of needles, so we only gave her insulin shots as needed.
Culture
Integrates knowledge of cultural diversity in performing nursing interventions.
Example: In this paper, I discussed the relationship that the nurse should be able to
attain with a peer or patient that is of a different culture. Cultural competency is very
important in this profession and should be instilled in every nurse. The patient should
be able to receive individualized care, collaborating the medical advice given by the
physician and the patients cultural preferences. Emphasis is put on the importance of
using the platinum rule when caring for patients of a different culture: Treat others the
way that they would want to be treated. In this paper, I gave the example of a patient
that is opposed to receiving blood products, even if it is in their best medical interest.
Because of this patients unique culture, the nurse has the responsibility of providing
individualized, unbiased care to this patient.