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Introduction
The range of philosophical thoughts in nursing has existed for more than a century. Philosophy and nursing are closely related professions. There are various simple actions in nursing that are guided by philosophy. The reason is that each nurse has a different view of nursing and quality patient care (Vandemark, 2006). However, the overall concept of philosophical research and application is yet to be adopted in the mainstream of nursing practice. In addition, philosophical thought has been much rarely used than it ought to be in the field of nursing inquiry. Therefore, it is vital to articulate the features and characteristics of philosophical research for nurses on the different perspectives of nursing philosophy. Nursing has been transforming towards a culture of evidence-based practice and theory-based care models. As a result, this requires the incorporation of philosophical thought into nursing to assess the best applicable theories and science perspectives. In addition, the role of research and science has been accepted in guiding evidence-based nursing practice (Watson, 2008).
Summary
This paper explains my philosophical view with regard to nursing. The paper explains the diverse aspects of my philosophy and how it influences my nursing profession. Moreover, the paper provides an opportunity to evaluate my philosophy of nursing within the context of the information from the learning process. What is more, the paper explains the foundations of my nursing philosophy and how they impact my nursing practice. It also highlights the relationship between philosophy and knowledge development and how it is evident in my nursing philosophy. The paper also explains how positivism and post-positivism influence approaches to nursing science (including research methods) and nursing practice as well as my philosophy.
My nursing philosophy has evolved slowly from the time and experience in the nursing school. I did not have extensive nursing knowledge prior to the enrollment in nursing education. However, I was aware of the responsibilities of nurses in health care provision and the field of medicine in general. I had a passion for being a competent and proficient nurse. I think I enrolled in one of the best nursing schools in America. I have always aspired to be independent and dedicated to my job as a nurse. I enjoy the work of a nurse and like to have personal interactions with my patients before commencing the performance of their care plans. In fact, my patients have been pleased with my efficiency of the work I do and my interactions. They have been fundamental in helping me to fulfill my objectives with reference to a patient-centered health care nursing philosophy. The nursing school has been essential in imparting more than just nursing education during the program. As a result, I can now consider difficult situations in a comprehensive manner and make decisions based on comprehensive perspectives (Levsey, Campbell, & Green, 2007). My aim is to always have a high quality level of care for patients, regardless of any nursing procedures. The lives of my patients come first in every aspect of nursing care. I love providing my patients with a sense of satisfaction and comfort during the difficult times when their health is in a bad state. I draw encouragement from providing appropriate care for my patients. I thrive and progress with my philosophy because I believe that a nurse is charged with protecting the patients’ right to life.
The philosophy of nursing I believe in comes from various theorists. For instance, Madeleine Leinenger has greatly guided my way of practicing nursing. Leininger believed that culture affects every aspect of human life, including health and illness. The theory outlines that the implication of care and caring differs in diverse cultures. Her view on nursing is one that can be used worldwide. I believe that Leininger’s concept of nursing can greatly help a nurse communicate with their patients efficiently (Pesut & Johnson, 2008).
Nursing theories are some of the new insights I have learnt in school that have influenced my nursing philosophy. There is a high correlation between nursing philosophy and nursing theory. The two aspects collaborate to form excellent practice in nursing practice and deliver high quality health care. These are sections of the insights that inspire my nursing philosophy. Thus, I strongly support Madeleine Leinenger’s theory of caring because it aligns with my personal values. Apparently, my nursing philosophical foundations in the theory of care and personal values influence my nursing practice, especially my relationship with patients. For example, recently, I was providing care for a 13-year-old boy with asthma. I showed him a lot of compassion and provided him with brochures to learn about his condition and be part of the holistic care I was giving him (Reed, 2006).
In fact, my philosophy of nursing is based on the notion that nurses should give person-centered, holistic, safe and high quality health care. I consider my patients as valuable human beings whose life should be treated with respect. I think that the job of nurses requires high concentration, and it is crucial to educate families and patients as part of providing holistic care to patients. Nurses should also develop positive behavior that can promote the state of health and improve care in the society.
Some of the features of my philosophy that reflect the philosophical influences that have shaped the profession are provision of social delicate care and holistic care. I think that other nurses and the nursing profession in general have over time been accepted in the field of nursing. It is now acceptable that caring is a universal phenomenon but changes in different cultures. In fact, this understanding provides different perspectives on tackling the problems of nursing in a multicultural century and providing leeway for nurses to provide holistic and appropriate health care, regardless of the patients’ background. It is essential to be environmentally conscious in order to deliver proper health care. Holistic and culturally sensitive nursing is vital in promoting the concept of cultural competence as a critical part of health care. It is evident that a culturally competent nurse can provide efficient and holistic health care more successfully than a culturally and environmentally unaware nurse.
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The central aspect of my nursing philosophy that reflects my personal values, beliefs, experiences and a unique perspective is the provision of holistic care. Thus, I think this reflects my value and belief in compassion, humanity and the right to health care. My philosophy of nursing is an integration of medical information, culture, society, and caring for fellow humans. It is a reflection of having dignity to other people. Hereupon, I think health care should be holistic and develop personal values of the nurse and patient. It should also be an extension of health promotion and quality care.
My philosophy of nursing manifests itself throughout my practice. The philosophy is evident in the ways I communicate with my patients and my delivery of care. I guarantee that I provide appropriate information to patients, uphold nursing ethics, and promote socially acceptable and holistic care in an environment of high quality health care. I also insure privacy of patients and maintain close contact with them to learn on their development and progression of health improvement (Draper, Ladou, & Tennenhouse, 2011).
There is a relationship between philosophy and knowledge development. There is proof of this idea in my nursing philosophy and practice. On the one hand, nursing philosophy refers to an approach to nursing where nurses use their daily practice in the field to provide care. The nurse may use their philosophy on what they believe is the appropriate action to provide health care and communicate with the patient. Nurses and other medical practitioners often find themselves in circumstances when they need to apply their philosophy and perception of reality. Apparently, this can be influenced by their experience in practices (Kinsella, 2010). On the other hand, knowledge development is the use of effective nursing philosophies, facts from nursing research and evidence from practice to insure the use of effective decisions. For instance, in my previous experience as a nurse, I often used nursing models that emphasize the connection between the patient and nurse while working on rehabilitation of patients. The interaction of philosophy and biological science in nursing helps nurses to make an informed decision on quality health care (Mackay, 2009). Therefore, I think that the use of the two professions in nursing practice is the appropriate action. The nurse’s logic, ethics, values, and morals can provide benefits to scientific methods and nursing experience (Isaacs, Ploeg, & Tompkins, 2009).
Positivism and post-positivism have had a tremendous impact on approaches to nursing science, research methods and nursing practice. Post-positivism is a meta-theoretical argument that reviews and amends the articulations of positivism. Positivists articulate that the researcher and the subject are autonomous. However, post-positivists agree that models, circumstances, knowledge and principles of the researcher can effect what is studied. As a result, this can be applicable to the case of nursing science, research methods and nursing practices. Nursing care may not be standardized but rather it is diverse in different subjects (patients) (Sperhac & Clinton, 2008).
Conclusion
In a nutshell, I believe nursing is based on the commitment to provide health care service to patients. One should show a desire and articulate personal values in their service. There should be a representation of humanity in the provision of nursing services. The profession should be a dedication to the provision of more than mere care or treatment. Instead, it should be focused on the delivery of personalized care and needs to patient.
