Philosophy of Nursing

NURS 314- Introduction to Theories and Concepts I

NURS 481- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to enable the student to rediscover his or her personal
philosophy of nursing as it exists upon the completion of the baccalaureate nursing program.

Student Approach to Assignment

Our personal philosophy guides our behavior, whether we are consciously aware of its
existence. By examining my personal philosophy of nursing, I was able to clarify and outline my
values, beliefs and professional outlook of my nursing education and career. The inclusion of my
nursing philosophy from the beginning and the end of the nursing program showed how my view
of nursing has expanded and become more in-depth. This assignment also reinforced my
commitment to making my nursing practice consistent with professional standards of practice
and my personal principles.

Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio

This required portfolio assignment shows my growth understanding the depth and breadth of
nursing practice as I develop the framework that will guide my career. The following program
objectives are highlighted:

 Critical Thinking
 Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.
 Example: In the revised paper, I discussed my assumptions of the relationship
between the nurse and the client, the nurse and the community, and the nurse and
other healthcare professionals based on Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory,
Pender’s health promotion model and von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory.

 Leadership
 Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the
interdisciplinary health care team.
 Example: In the revised paper, I outlined the values of the nursing profession as to
promote health and relieve distress. With the utilization of the general systems theory,
I described nursing as an integral part of the health care team and its role as the care
coordinator and client advocate within this team.
 Professionalism
 Applies an ethical decision-making framework and legal guidelines to clinical situations
that incorporate moral concepts, professional ethics, and advocacy for patient well-being
and preferences.
 Example: In the paper, I described the two major principles that guide my nursing
practice as respect for all individuals and accountability for my action. These two
principles are not only my personal moral integration but also are two provisions of
the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. In addition, respecting the client and ensuring
quality of care are also essential parts of client advocacy.

 Culture
 Integrates knowledge of cultural diversity in performing nursing interventions.
 Example: In the revised paper, I discussed my assumption about the nurse- client
relationship in a culturally diverse setting and pointed out the importance for the
nurse to be sensitive and nonjudgmental towards health practices of the diverse client
population. While recognizing the efficacy of many culturally specific health
practices, I also emphasized the role of he nurse as an educator to provide the clients
with objective facts about certain health practices that are detrimental to their health.