Philosophy of Nursing

NURS 300- Introduction to Theories and Concepts I

NURS 431- 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
Drafting a philosophy of nursing is significant because it allowed for the opportunity to
uncover the reasoning behind our nursing practice, by defining nursing and exploring personal
values and beliefs. Redrafting my philosophy of nursing at the end of the program showed me
how the curriculum and clinical practice has deepened my understanding and views of nursing.
Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio
This assignment is significant to the portfolio because it demonstrates how I have grown
as a student learner and come to an understanding of the basis for my nursing practice. The
following objectives are covered within this assignment:
! Critical Thinking
" Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.
# Example: This assignment discusses how I used theories to help develop my own
concepts with regards to the relationships between nurse and client, nurse and
community, and nurse and other healthcare professionals. I referred to Peplaus
Interpersonal Relations in Nursing theory when discussing the important connection
nurses form with clients; Leiningers Culture Care theory is also used in the
relationship between nurse and client because it encompasses the need to be culturally
competent in all aspects of care; Neumans System Model theory is used to guide
practice through a holistic approach, including the external factors presented by the
community; and von Bertalanffys Open System theory is utilized when considering
the entire healthcare team, where the client remains the priority.
! Leadership
" Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the
interdisciplinary health care team.
# Example: This assignment discusses the purpose of nursing and how nurses have
many roles, such as caregiver, educator, manager, and decision maker. The nurse
must know which role they play in order for the team to be effective in meeting the
goals set forth mutually for the client.

! 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 this assignment, I presented the two ethical principles that guide my
professional nursing practice and explain how they are significant to in patient
advocacy: acting on behalf of the patients best interests and maintaining respect and
dignity of all patients.
! Culture
" Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race,
religion, gender, lifestyle and age.
# Example: In this assignment, I discuss how nursing practice regards each patients
cultural values and beliefs, to ensure safe and equal care. Nurses must be culturally
competent; to include an understanding of their personal beliefs to be better equipped
to care for all types of patients. A holistic approach is used to ensure each patient
receives well-rounded care.