Introduction
Nursing may be regarded as a highly essential occupation that focuses on providing care to individuals, their families, and communities, promoting health, and preventing diseases. On the one hand, nursing is based on empirical research that seeks to improve practice. On the other hand, similar to other disciplines, nursing is founded on particular values, principles, and beliefs that constitute its philosophy. At the same time, while every person is unique, every nurse has an individual nursing philosophy, and this paper is dedicated to my description of mine.
Concept of a Person
While nursing is a human practice, the perception of a person may be viewed as the core of its practice. It goes without saying that from a fundamental perspective, nursing is the process of nourishing that occurs between a nurse and a patient to improve the latter’s well-being. As a nurse, I understand my responsibility to deliver health care based on the highest standards of nursing, evidence, and existing research.
However, I believe every person should be perceived as a unitary being with inherent worth and dignity. Therefore, nursing presupposes not only the provision of medical procedures but also forming a specific spiritual bond between a nurse and a patient. A person should feel that he is understood and respected.
My approach to the concept of a person aligns with multiple nursing theories. For instance, it corresponds to Faye Glenn Abdellah’s nursing theory, which emphasizes the significance of a patient-oriented approach and patient involvement in health care delivery (“Faye Abdellah—nursing theorist,” n.d.). At the same time, it slightly differs from the Care, Cure, Core Nursing Theory introduced by Lydia Hall (Gonzalo, 2023a).
It focuses on providing bodily care, treatment, and receiving care—in other words, on the physical aspect of care. However, I believe that addressing a patient’s inner world is also essential for their recovery. Moreover, as a nurse, I plan to pay particular attention to patients’ physical, mental, sociological, and spiritual needs and build relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
Concept of Environment
In general, the environment refers to people’s surroundings and place of living that substantially impact their physical and emotional state. It goes without saying that in my philosophy, I heavily rely on the principles of Florence Nightingale. According to her Environmental Theory, the patient’s vital power is positively affected by light, warmth, fresh air, quiet, proper diet, and cleanliness (Gonzalo, 2023b).
However, I do not fully agree with the dominant influence of external factors – in turn, I am sure that the environment is complex and multilayered – it includes not only locations and related conditions but also social interactions and emotions that impact a person physically, socially, and mentally. In addition, a patient’s environment may be formed by his culture and religion that presuppose the existence of specific values, beliefs, and norms associated with health and treatment. At the same time, it is impossible to deny the importance of all layers of the environment for a person’s condition and recovery. Therefore, it is my responsibility as a nurse to create the most comfortable environment for promoting a patient’s wellness through a positive attitude, cultural competence, and the management of external parameters.
Concept of Health
Health may be defined as a condition in which a person’s physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs are met. Health is characterized by harmony, balance, well-being, and respected dignity. At the same time, the perception of health may differ depending on a person’s features, cultural norms, or social background. Therefore, I agree with Hildegard E. Peplau, who developed and promoted the Theory of Interpersonal Relations, according to which a nurse and a patient should interact to define and address the latter’s unique health-related needs (“Hildegard Peplau – nursing theorist,” n.d.). Thus, in my nursing practice, I am ready to establish contact with patients and their families to understand them and provide health care delivery of the highest quality based on their expectations.
Concept of Nursing
Nursing is a healthcare professional’s specific activities developed for maintaining, restoring, and promoting health. First of all, I aim to contribute to nursing through all levels of prevention that presuppose alleviating a disease’s effects, health education, and health promotion. In this case, my philosophy corresponds to the Theory of Transpersonal Caring developed by Jean Watson, in which nursing contributes to social and individual wellness (Gonzalo, 2023c). In addition, I will deliver health care that respects patients’ dignity and ethical standards of beneficence, non-maleficence, confidentiality, and autonomy.
Conclusion
While nursing is a discipline based on particular values and beliefs formed by theorists and practitioners, every nurse has their own nursing philosophy. My philosophy is entirely based on a patient-centered approach, and all paradigms are closely connected concerning a person’s multidimensional needs, environment, health, and medical assistance. In particular, in my practice, I will focus on creating strong bonds with my patients that will allow me to address their unique expectations.
References
Faye Abdellah – nursing theorist. (n.d.). Nursing Theory. Web.
Gonzalo, A. (2023a). Lydia Hall: Care, Cure, Core Nursing Theory. Nurseslabs. Web.
Gonzalo, A. (2023b). Florence Nightingale: Environmental Theory. Nurseslabs. Web.
Gonzalo, A. (2023c). Jean Watson: Theory of Human Caring. Nurseslabs. Web.
Hildegard Peplau – nursing theorist. (n.d.). Nursing Theory. Web.