A philosophy of nursing is a personal statement reflecting a nurse’s beliefs about their profession and standards they hope to maintain. It may be required for job applications and discusses patient care, professionalism, diversity, liability, and continued education. Nursing schools provide guidance in developing a philosophy of nursing.
A philosophy of nursing is a personal statement in which a nurse reflects on her beliefs about her profession and the standards she hopes to maintain throughout her working career. Nurses applying for jobs may be asked about their philosophy of nursing, and it is sometimes a required part of application packages. Some treatment facilities also have a general statement by their nursing staff about their work that they make publicly available so potential patients know how the facility’s nurses approach their jobs.
The contents of a philosophy of nursing care can be very variable. The statement usually discusses why someone is a nurse and what he thinks her career is all about. Nurse practitioners tend to believe that their job is to provide patient care of the highest quality, with a focus on patient advocacy and education. They also focus on working cooperatively with other members of a care team to achieve positive patient outcomes. A philosophy of nursing may discuss the desire to work with patients and healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, while respecting those backgrounds.
Such statements often discuss liability. Nurses want to be accountable to their patients and other care providers to ensure their work is held to a high standard. They also emphasize professionalism in the workplace. This may include a desire to resolve conflicts amicably, maintain high standards of behavior, and treat all patients with respect and sensitivity. Nursing can present challenges such as working with patients who may be aggressive or in awkward situations and a nurse must be prepared to handle these with aplomb.
Many nursing philosophies also discuss the need for continued professional development and education. Nurses are required to complete a set number of continuing education hours each year to maintain their licenses. They can engage in additional hours or special training to improve patient care and increase the range of services offered at their facilities. This can be an important part of a nurse’s overall approach to work, as she wants to make sure patients receive the best care, with the most up-to-date and effective training.
Nursing schools often provide guidance to their students as they develop a philosophy of nursing at the end of their education. Sample statements are available, and students can also complete worksheets and use other tools to organize their thoughts on the nursing profession. This assistance can help a nurse prepare a statement that she can use in job applications or advanced nursing education applications.
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