Running head: PHILOSOPHY

My Philosophy of Nursing
Emily Loftin
Old Dominion University

PHILOSOPHY

For this project I chose to create a collage to represent my philosophy of nursing. A collage
takes many different elements and creates a whole new picture to visualize different forms in a
single piece. Nursing has a wide variety of meaning and purpose, which makes it difficult to
choose a single thing that represents nursing. This is why I chose to do a collage for my project.
A. My Personal philosophy of nursing
My personal philosophy is very similar to the theorist, Virginia Henderson. Her concepts
of nursing, person, environment, and health all relate to my personal philosophy of
nursing.
Concepts of Nursing
Nursing is primarily helping people (sick or well) in the performance of those
activities contributing to health, or its recovery (or peaceful death) that they
would perform unaided if they had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge. It
is likewise the unique contribution of nursing to help people to be independent of
such assistance as soon as possible (Henderson, 1978) (Waller-Wise, 2013). The
nurse must carry out the physicians plan, but the nurse creates the individualized
care of each patient. The nurse should be able to make judgments as long as

he/she is not diagnosing, prescribing treatment, or making a prognosis.

Concepts of person
The individuals body and mind work together to develop biological,
psychological, sociological, and spiritual components. All of those components

create the whole person who has needs.

Concepts of environment
The environment is made up of many different settings in which the individual
learns unique patterns for living. All external conditions and influences affect the

life and development of the individual.

Concepts of health
The individuals ability to perform tasks independently. The promotion of health
and prevention are important to teach the patient. Good health is a challenge due

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to the many different factors including: age, cultural background, emotional

balance, and social wellbeing.
B. Professional outlook
My goal is to work in a neonatal intensive care unit. I want to eventually become
a nurse practitioner. Nursing involves constant research and learning throughout
the whole experience whether in school or not.
C. Explanation of the art created
The green background color was chosen to represent life, renewal, and energy,
which is associated with meanings of growth and safety. As a nurse you help the

patient grow and provide safety throughout their hospital experience.

The top pictures represent my major goals in the nursing profession. I hope to
work in the neonatal intensive care unit because I have a compassion for kids and
I have seen babies that werent suppose to live make it through. The experiences
make me want to make a difference and help another baby survive who was not

supposed to.
Nursing is one big road with many different avenues. With nursing you do not
have to be confined to a hospital or doctors office, but rather anywhere it is
needed. There are many different branches of nursing that makes the possibilities
endless. Dream big, expect the unexpected, and explore the different avenues of

nursing.
Communication between other healthcare professionals and patients is a really
important concept. Clear communication makes it possible to connect on all levels

with the patient and workers, which makes for a better environment overall.
Nurses want to do everything in their power to keep the patient pain-free and have
the most comfort as possible. Nurses also provide a role of being an emotional
comforter. Sometimes just having someone to talk to and listen to makes the
individuals comfort level rise.

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Having a good support system is important and makes the healing process quicker
for the individual.

References
Waller-Wise, R. (2013). Utilizing Hendersons Nursing Theory in Childbirth Education.
International Journal Of Childbirth Education, 28(2), 30-34 5p.

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I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I

will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such
as cheating or plagiarism.

I am aware that as a member of the

academic community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected

violators of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.

Name: Emily Loftin

Signature:

Emily Loftin

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