Running head: NURSING PHILOSOPHY 1

Nursing Philosophy
Mariette Armitstead
Dixie State University

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Nursing Philosophy
Nursing should encompass the concepts of patient, health, environment, and nurse with
the quality of caring. All four concepts are included in Jean Watsons philosophy of caring.
When we as nurses combine the concepts of patient, health, environment, and nurse with caring,
patients have better outcomes and nurse relationships with patients and their families are
strengthened. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the powerful attribute of caring and the
effects it has on nurse relationships with patients and their families.
Caring Experience
I had the opportunity to not only care for, but also learn from a patient while I was at a
clinical during my second semester of nursing school. My nurse and I were administering
medication to a patient who was African American. The patient told us that the beta blocker she
was currently on was not effective in lowering her blood pressure, even if she took a higher dose.
A few minutes later I realized the reason the drug was not effective. In my pharmacology class I
learned that beta blockers do not work well in African Americans and that they have better
results when given a Calcium Channel Blocker. I discussed this with my clinical instructor who
advised me to discuss the patients concern with my assigned nurse. My nurse and I went to a
group meeting that included nurses, physicians, and other members of the health care team.
When our patient was brought up in conversation, my nurse reported the patients status and then
encouraged me to share the information I had obtained from my patient. I discussed with the
team what I had learned in school; the team was impressed and said they would look into another
treatment option for this patient.
Concerning the subject of caring, there is a great quantity of research being performed.
According to Gillespie, Hounchell, Pettinichi, Mattei, & Rose (2012), when asked about caring
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behaviors, parents of pediatric patients determined that nearly all of them were important in
nursing practice (p. 217). This study verifies just how essential the qualities of caring are in the
nursing profession.
Concepts Needed in all Caring Situations
A nurses focus of care is on the patient. It is in the patient that we desire to see improved
health and outcomes; therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that we listen to our patients and
their families. The patient and family know better what concerns they may be having. The first
concept is the patient, and I believe the experience I described reflects Jean Watsons carative
factor of establishing a helping-trust relationship (Gillespie, et al., 2012, p. 219). When we listen
to our patients, we not only gain more information concerning the patients health and status, but
we also establish that trusting nurse-patient relationship.
This experience also includes the concept of health. As we look at all the components of
patient care, the center goal is improving patient health. Watsons carative factor of promotion of
interpersonal teaching-learning is supported when nurses take the time to listen to their patients
and explain procedures and medications (Gillespie, et al., 2012, p. 219). This factor involves the
patients perception of the situation. When my nurse and I listened to our patients concerns and
then acted on them, this carative factor was implemented.
The third concept is environment. It is imperative that we provide our patients with the
best environment possible for their healing process. Faber (2013) states, Creating a caring and
healing environment for the patient and family, for colleagues, and for ourselves requires the
development and nurturing of healthy interpersonal relationships (p. 215). This statement
supports the belief that healthy relationships between nurses and patients are significant to
provide a satisfactory healing environment.
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This experience also comprises the aspect of nursing. As stated before, a nurses main
goal is to promote the health of his or her patients. When I discussed my patients medication
with my instructor and then my nurse, I was promoting the health and welfare of my patient. At
times when we have questions or concern, it is our duty to clarify these and/or correct them for
the sake of our patients; further, when I discussed my concerns with the professional health care
team, this further demonstrates my willingness to follow the duties of being a registered nurse.
It is also important to keep in mind the health of yourself as a nurse. If we are not
physically or mentally well then our abilities to keep our patients healthy become weakened.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to keep ourselves healthy along with our patients to promote
the best outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concepts of patient, health, environment, and nurse are necessary when
nurses display a caring nature. I strongly believe the nursing profession requires the quality of
caring to promote patient health and establish strong nurse-patient/family relationships.

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References
Faber, K. (2013). Relationship-based care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Creative Nursing,
19(4), 214-8. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1461370599?accountid=27045
Gillespie, G., Hounchell, M., Pettinichi, J., Mattei, J., & Rose, L. (2012). Caring in pediatric
emergency nursing. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 26(3), 216-32. Retrieved
from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1086347614?accountid=27045