Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice NUR 387
Developing your own Philosophy of Nursing
As you are starting your nursing formation, you should be developing your own personal
philosophy of nursing. Your philosophy will reflect your values and ideals, and will likely
expand as you progress through your coursework and begin your career. It is not a
complex task. You will ask yourself some very basic questions such as “What is nursing?”
and “Why do I practice nursing the way I do?”
Below is an example of one nurse’s philosophy (Black, 2014)
? I believe that the essence of nursing is caring about and caring for all human beings who
are unable to care for themselves.
? I believe that the central core of nursing is the nurse/patient relationship
? I am individually accountable for the care I provide, for what I fail to do and know.
There I pledge to be a lifelong learner
? Human beings generally do the best that they can. When they are uncooperative or
unpleasant, it is usually because they are frightened; therefore I will remain pleasant and
nonjudgmental and try to understand the patient’s perception of the situation.
? I realize that my cultural background affects how I deliver nursing care and that my
patient’s cultural background affects how they receive my care. I try to learn as much as I
can about each individual’s cultural background and preferences.
? I will strive for a balance of professional and personal responsibilities. I will take care of
myself physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually so I can continue to be a productive
care giver.
Use this guide to write your own nursing philosophy on a separate sheet of paper. Please
answer in full sentences as you reflect on your practice this semester and what you would
like to do in the coming semesters.
Purpose: To write a beginning philosophy that reflects the beliefs and values of {your name
and date}
? I chose nursing as my profession because nursing is.
? I believe that the core of nursing is
? I believe that the focus of nursing is
? My vision for myself as a nurse is that I will
? To live out my philosophy of nursing, every day I must remember this about:
My patients
My patients’ families
My fellow health care professionals
DEVELOPING MY OWN PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING 2
My own health
Developing My Own Philosophy of Nursing
I choose nursing as a profession because nursing is all about caring and helping people.
I believe that a profession that is all about helping, caring for and about other human beings is
ideal for me (Black, 2014). I also believe that nursing is a calling and one has to be willing to
provide necessary care to the patients. Therefore, I am accountable as an individual for failing
to provide the care that is needed and for lacking the will to provide the care in the appropriate
required manner.
I believe that the core of nursing is the relationship between the patient and care
provider. I believe the care provided to the patient coupled up with a good patient-nurse
relationship would go a long way to aiding the fast recovery of a patient (Black, 2014). I
acknowledge that the physical as well as the emotional well-being of the patient are as
important in the recovery process. I know that a patient would be happier to receive whole care
than the professional type offered by most nurses.
I believe that the main focus on nursing is on the patient. A nurse is supposed to be as
professional as well as humane to patient as one can be (Black, 2014). I also believe that a
nurse is supposed to focus on as fast as possible recovery of the patient. I also recognize that
the main focus being on the patient is of paramount importance to the nursing profession. My
vision for myself is that I would offer the best health care to the best of my ability.
To live out my philosophy as a nurse I must remember this about my patients, patient’s
families and my fellow healthcare professionals. That my main focus is my patient’s well-being
and ensuring that they recover as fast as possible (Black, 2014). Therefore, I must remember to
DEVELOPING MY OWN PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING 3
offer absolute and wholesome care to all my patients. Secondly, I must remember to be
respectful to the patient’s family and be helpful to my fellow healthcare professional by
cooperating with them efficiently.
DEVELOPING MY OWN PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING 4
Reference
Black, B. (2014). Professional nursing: concepts & challenges. Elsevier Health Sciences.