RUNNING HEAD: Personal Philosophy of Nursing 1

Early in our coursework, nursing students learn that “anything that is built well must have

a solid foundation for support” (Black, 2014, p. 239). A nursing student’s foundation is made

firm by the building of their education, clinical skills, and most importantly their philosophy of

nursing. It is of utmost importance that nurses and nursing students reflect on their personal

philosophies as a means of affirming their purpose and improving their provision of care. My

personal foundation is built on the philosophy that empathy and advocacy are key components of

quality nursing. The following reflection is a representation of my personal nursing philosophy

and the values and beliefs that contribute to it.

Black (2014) defines a philosophy of nursing as a “statement of beliefs about nursing and

expressions of values in nursing that are used as bases for thinking and acting” (p. 262). Nursing

philosophies are important because they can serve as guides or practice models for institutions

that employ nurses. Philosophies, however, are not restricted to the use of hospitals and nursing

schools. A nurse’s impact towards patient care is directly reflected from his or her own

understanding and practice of a philosophy of nursing. Professional nurses must possess a

cohesive philosophy in order to deliver quality care affectively, to all patients. A nurse’s

philosophy serves as a solid foundation that is supported by his or her own values and beliefs of

patient care.

Values and beliefs have the ability to influence a nurse’s behavior and provision of care.

However, the two concepts are not necessarily synonymous. Beliefs are often described as

convictions that are “based on the attitudes that have been acquired and verified by experience”

(Black, 2014, p.256). It is important for a nurse to be aware of his or her own beliefs. These

convictions will ultimately affect their overall thought processes and behavioral interactions with

patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. As a nursing student, I feel it is
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essential to be mindful of my beliefs, as well as, accepting to their refinement throughout my

nursing experiences. I strongly believe that easily accessible, nonbiased, quality healthcare is a

human right. I believe that everyone is deserving of quality healthcare, no matter their age,

gender, ethnicity, or location. I believe that as a nurse, the most effective way I will be able to

care for my patients, is by treating them as equals and providing each of them with the best level

of care possible. I also believe, that as a nurse, it is important to place others’ needs and comfort

before my own. Whether this means skipping meals so that other patients may be fed or working

a few extra hours by staying to answer all of a patient’s questions, it is my responsibility that a

patient always feels as my highest priority. I believe that admirable nurse-patient relationships

are built on respect and trust that as a nurse I am always looking out for their best interest.

Contrary to beliefs, values are described as “freely chosen principles held by an

individual, class or group,” that have the ability to “give meaning and direction to life” (Black,

2014, p.258). Black (2014) suggests that values have the ability to impact a nurse’s provision of

care both consciously and unconsciously. Personally, I closely identify with the nursing value of

empathy. In the nursing profession, I think that care is best delivered when the nurse has the

ability to experience emotions and situations from their patient’s perspective. This empathy will

allow them to uphold a nonjudgmental attitude while interacting and caring for their patients. No

matter the setting, nurses encounter people of all ethnicities, lifestyles, socioeconomic statuses,

and belief systems. I value the ability of healthcare professionals to empathize with their patients,

setting aside any judgments and biases, allowing care that focuses on the patient’s definition of

quality of living, rather than their own. It is, after all, a nurse’s duty to serve as the patient’s

advocate and a source for guidance in decision making. As a patient’s advocate, I also value
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integrity. To me, integrity means that my behaviors and values, within and outside of a clinical

setting, will always be consistent with my beliefs.

My personal philosophy that empathy and advocacy are the foundation of quality nursing

will guide me to be a nurse that is fully present and delivers care with my patient’s best interests

in mind. My belief that quality healthcare is a human right, will allow me to continuously

provide honest, compassionate, and efficient care to those in need. I will honor my philosophy by

providing care that is thoughtful and world-class, representing my profession through the

provision of leadership in my community, and advocating for changes in laws and regulations

that affect medical provision. I will also allow personal growth and the pursuit of higher

education to contribute to my beliefs and values as well as polish my personal philosophy.

In conclusion, a nurse’s philosophy is built on their personal values and beliefs and is

displayed through their behaviors and interactions. Nurses and nursing students must possess a

cohesive philosophy in order to deliver quality care affectively, to all patients. I believe my

nursing philosophy will guide me to provide care that emphasizes empathy as well as properly

advocate for my patients. With the support of this solid foundation, I’m confident in my

potential to successfully build the skills necessary to be an excellent nurse.

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References

Black, B.P. (2014). Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges. St. Louis, MO: Saunders

Elsevier.