Nursing Philosophy

     To be a nurse is to play a role in all areas of healthcare; there is no one sole purpose of nursing. The nurse works to heal, provide a caring touch, provide health education, and promote healthy practices. Above all, the nurse is an advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.

     In our first lecture of the semester, we learned that nursing is both an art and a science. Nursing dates back to the times of the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and early Christians. This was a time when nursing care was administered on the basis of religious duty and love for others, and encompassed the “art” of nursing. When Florence Nightingale arrived at the scene, she and other nurses working alongside her developed the science of nursing with collection of health statistics, epidemiology research, and evidence-based practice (Potter & Perry, year). With the innovation of health technology and emphasis on quantitative measurements of health in the last century, it is easy for the art of nursing to get pushed aside. However, I believe in the importance of both art and science in nursing. I plan to keep up to date on the best practices and most current research in medical science, but will use these practices merely as a framework for my care. When working with patients, I will educate myself on individuals’ beliefs and desires and tailor the current research to fit their needs. If a patient’s emotional health and personal needs are not addressed, I do not believe their overall health can be maximized.

     Beyond direct care of the patient, education is another crucial aspect in nursing. Each individual has the right to do what they wish with their bodies and as a nurse it will not be my place to make judgments on others’ decisions. However, I do believe we are obliged to educate patients as best possible about all options so they can make informed decisions. Going back to the point about tailoring care plans, I will tailor my patients’ education to fit their life. Too often patients are given health information in complicated terms, and this does not benefit their education. Furthermore, there is no point educating a patient on the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables if they live in a northern community where there is little fresh food available or affordable. I will strive to educate my patients in an understandable manner that is relevant to their life situation.

     The idea of tailoring care plans and education to individuals with different life situations naturally leads into my beliefs surrounding patients with various backgrounds. Too often throughout my life have I heard others make disparaging remarks towards others of a low socioeconomic status, labelling them as lazy, dirty, irresponsible, or worse. These attitudes and labels are detrimental when providing care, and I will not tolerate it when practicing as a nurse. I know that some days it will be difficult and frustrating to put patients beyond their circumstances, and it will be natural to lay blame on certain individuals themselves. However, it is necessary to provide excellent nursing care to all, no matter their background, social standing, or personality. Nursing is a vocation of caring, and not one of judgement.

     As I said in the start of this philosophy statement, advocacy for patients is of utmost important in nursing. I hold this to be true in all situations, whether in hospital, clinical, home care, or elsewhere. Nurses serve as a conduit for health information between the medical system and patients, and we are the most important resource patients can look to. Patients are subjected to a lot in the healthcare system, and it is our job as nurses to protect them, ensure equity, justice, and preservation of dignity during all courses of treatment. No one patient should be held in higher esteem or discriminated against for their social standing, personal beliefs, or their understanding of health. As a nurse, I will put the patient at the centre of care and ensure they are given the best, most holistic, and most relevant care possible.