Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING 1

Philosophy of Nursing

MaryAnne Glasier

University of Saint Mary

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Philosophy of Nursing

My nursing philosophy is based on four major concepts. First, the importance of

nurturing each patient, family, group or community using evidence-based practice that stresses

trust, individualized self-care, and decision-making skills. Secondly, as a compassionate nurse, it

is critical to take the time to listen to the patient, helping to identify their learning needs about

their disease processes and the prevention of illness (Roach, 1992). An empathetic nurse will

aim to understand the patients view of their quality of life and must support the patient as they

adapt to their healthcare crisis or health care deficit with holistic and spiritual care. Finally, to

provide an environment that is morally and ethically bound to the human process of living and

dying.

The Patient

I believe, the nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and

respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by

considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems

(emphasis added) (ANA, 2008, p. 4). The respect for the patients trust is foremost in my

philosophy; trust implies that the nurse/patient relationship is unique and compassionate. A

patients care should be based on trust, centered on their rights, and should be adaptable to the

level of understanding of the patient. It is impossible to think of caring without at the same time

thinking about the importance of a trusting relationship (Roach, 1992, p. 62). Next, for trust to

develop, the patient needs to recognize that the nurse has the patients best interest at heart. The

relationship of trust built between the nurse and patient should center on caring, compassion, and

confidence that the nurse, through education of the patients disease process, can help the patient
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make an informed decision to improve the patients health and possibly to improve their view of

healthcare system itself.

Knowledge and Education

The patient relies on the knowledge and education of nurses to perform their duties in the

most technologically proficient, evidence-based way, with an emphasis on disease prevention. If

we cannot assist the patient with disease prevention and knowledge of their disease processes;

we cannot help them move forward to a healthier state. The nurse needs to be competent in her

knowledge, having the judgment, skills, energy, experience and motivation required to respond

adequately to the demands of ones professional responsibilities (Roach, 1992, p. 61). The nurse

needs to educate, not only the patient but other nurses in these skills, bringing enhancement and

commitment to our profession by having competent nurses who uphold the nursing practice.

Evidence-based practice, compassion, and competency will be necessary to educate future

nurses; I will help advance the nursing profession by helping develop these skills in the next

generation of nurses.

Quality of Life

The patients quality of life encompasses a holistic perspective, involving physical,

psychological, and social well-being, as well as the spiritual and environmental aspects of the

human experience (McEwen & Wills, 2014, p. 42). To meet the needs of the patient the nurse

should inquire about patients belief system, once known, the care of the patient should be

holistic, ethical, and spiritual as dictated by the patients wishes to manage and improve care.

Assisting with the spiritual aspect of care can give hope to a patient of the possibility of

recovery, the stability of their health or support the patient in a peaceful, pain-free death. It is a
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unique energy we have come to call love, this ability to appreciate and respond to the value of a

personal life in all its forms is the foundation of moral consciousness (Roach, 1992, p. 64).

Environment

Nursing care should be based on a moral and ethical practice that is used to facilitate the

care of patients and takes into account the nurses value system. The values central to nursing:

human dignity; well-being; and respect for persons, health, and independence (ANA, 2008, p.

73). Because these skills can be inherent or learned, education and self-discovery are imperative.

There is a continuous relationship with the environment which the nurse being the advocate for

the patient in their restoration of health or dignity in death. Death is the most decisive moment

in human life. It is like our coronation: to die in peace with God (Mother Teresa, 1997, p. 141).

Conclusion

Nursing is a profession that I was ultimately drawn to for its foundation in caring for

others in a safe, trusting and productive way to give back, educate and assist in the

compassionate needs of humankind. You may be exhausted with your work, you may even kill

yourself, but unless your work is interwoven with love, it is useless. Work without love is

slavery (Mother Teresa, 1997, p. 69). There is an art to nursing that is based on love. Love for

helping others, for helping an infant be born and a person to die with respect and dignity; it is a

love that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-

fulfillment (Roach, 1992, p. 62). This fulfillment for me is my love for nursing and my

commitment to the education of students, being their advocate to help them become fully

prepared competent nurses. (ANA, 2008)

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References

ANA (2008). Guide to the code of ethics for nurses. Silver Springs, MD: Nursebooks.org.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:

Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Mother Teresa (1997). No Greater Love. New York, NY: MJF Books.

Roach, S. (1992). Attributes of professional caring. The human act of caring: A blueprint for the

health professions, 57-67. Retrieved from

https://engage.stmary.edu/learn/pluginfile.php/159359/mod_page/content/13/Roach_artic

le.pdf