Florence Nightingale’s philosophy and teachings emphasize that the nurse must use her brain, heart and hands to create healing environments to care for the patient’s body, mind and spirit. Nursing, since the time of Nightingale, has been building the holistic paradigm, in all schools of thought, with a view to a humanistic approach to the human being in their indivisible relationship with the environment. (Riegel et al., 2021, p.1)
The nursing paradigm includes four domains: person, environment, health, and nursing. These domains enable nurses to provide holistic and patient-centered care. When you combine them with your own attitudes, beliefs, and values, you can begin generating a unique and personal philosophy of nursing.
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- Integrity: To act with honesty and integrity, upholding the highest ethical standards.
- Excellence: To strive for excellence in all aspects of nursing practice, continuously seeking to improve my skills and knowledge.
- Collaboration: To work collaboratively with healthcare teams to provide optimal patient care.
- Advocacy: To advocate for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
Holistic Nursing Practice:
I believe that holistic nursing is essential to address the multifaceted needs of patients. By considering the interconnectedness of the physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of health, nurses can provide more comprehensive and effective care. This holistic approach involves:
- Physical Care: Addressing the patient's physical needs, such as administering medications, providing wound care, and monitoring vital signs.
- Psychological Care: Supporting the patient's emotional well-being, providing comfort and reassurance, and addressing anxiety and depression.
- Social Care: Considering the patient's social and environmental factors, such as family support, housing, and employment.
- Spiritual Care: Respecting the patient's spiritual beliefs and practices, providing spiritual support, and creating a peaceful and healing environment.
Patient-Centered Care:
I am committed to providing patient-centered care, which involves:
- Respecting Patient Autonomy: Empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
- Building Therapeutic Relationships: Establishing strong relationships with patients based on trust, empathy, and respect.
- Communicating Effectively: Communicating clearly and compassionately with patients and their families.
- Collaborating with the Interdisciplinary Team: Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care.
By integrating these principles into my nursing practice, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.
Sample Answer
My Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care
Inspired by the foundational principles of Florence Nightingale, I believe that nursing is a holistic profession that encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the patient. My personal philosophy of nursing practice is rooted in the belief that every individual is unique and deserves compassionate, evidence-based care.
Core Values:
- Compassion: To treat each patient with kindness, empathy, and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.