Hayley Comrie

Philosophy of Nursing Statement

4/24/19

As a future nurse I believe that the most important elements in providing care to patients

is the integration of patient-centered care, integrative nursing modalities, and evidence-based

practices. My personal definition of providing patient-centered care is taking care of my patients

without distractions, being their advocate through active listening, and caring for the patients’

mind, body, and spirit. I truly believe that health is multifaceted and is not just the absence of

disease, but also the well-being of one’s mental and spiritual capacities. This involves

prioritizing the comfort of the environment, the need for religious interventions or support, and

the ability to be vulnerable with the patient to become closer and form a stronger relationship.

Looking more closely at existing nursing theories, my beliefs align most closely with

those of Hildegard Peplau who established Interpersonal Theory (Paplau, 1997). This theory

defines the patient and nurse relationship through four evolving stages: orientation,

identification, exploitation, and resolution. I like how this theory emphasizes educational,

therapeutic, and interpersonal processes (Paplau, 1997). This theory highlights the strength of the

relationship between the nurse and patient, which I find to be a crucial element of providing

person-centered and integrative nursing care.

One factor that is not included in most nursing theories is the integration of evidenced-

based practices. Through the advancements in research, healthcare providers can assess what

practices are most effective and/or harmful to their patients. This information can be vital to the

care that we provide because it can minimize the length of hospital stay, the frequency of
complications, and the severity of side effects. Although changing behaviors of employees is

always challenging, if healthcare providers prioritize the implementation of evidence-based care

in the hospital they will be more accepting of the changes done, and they can help advocate for

the best care modalities to be used.

Through the integration of person-centered care, integrative modalities, and evidence-

based practice into everyday nursing care, patients will be able to leave feeling more appreciated,

understood, and satisfied. In my opinion, nursing is an incredible and unique profession because

it is not just a job, but rather an identity. As a nurse, I want to actively listen, educate, and work

with my patients in order to prepare them for the most enjoyable and successful future.
 References

Paplau, H.E. (1997). Paplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Nursing Science Quarterly,

10(4), 162-167. doi: 10.1177/0894318497010000407.