Instructions:
- Write or develop your own professional nursing practice philosophy, at least one paragraph.
- Include the following in your philosophy:
- Describe the four (4) Nursing Meta-paradigm Concepts you believe or value about those concepts.
- Then, compare your discussion of philosophy with the Module 1.1 and 1.2 discussions, focusing on the concepts from any nursing theorist’s theory, such as Orem’s Theory or Watson’s Theory. I would like to know your conclusion.
Module 1.1 Discussion Answer:
I believe Florence Nightingale made a great contribution to nursing because she really wanted nurses to work closely with physicians to obtain a better patient outcome. I think this was meant to improve patient care and not to limit nurses’ roles. She also was hesitant about formal licensure because she believed it could limit access to nursing. Nightingale did not see mental health nursing as part of the profession since she focused on hospital care and patient hygiene. Still, her focus on patient care, and professional education is very relevant today. Modern nurses continue to apply her principles through evidence-based practice, patient safety, and ongoing professional development.
Module 1.2 is creating a resume or a curriculum vita based on what you read about the life and work of Florence Nightingale. Then, create your own resume and compare and contrast the two documents What do you think? Is Florence still relevant?
Professional Nursing Practice Philosophy
My professional nursing philosophy is grounded in the belief that nursing is both a science and an art that requires compassion, critical thinking, and dedication to holistic patient care. I value the four nursing meta-paradigm concepts as the foundation of practice. Person is central to nursing and represents individuals as unique beings with physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs. I believe each patient should be seen as more than a diagnosis, but as a whole person with dignity and worth. Health is not merely the absence of disease but a dynamic state of wellness influenced by lifestyle, environment, and access to care. I value the nurse’s role in promoting health and preventing illness in ways that are individualized and culturally sensitive. Environment plays a significant role in patient outcomes, and I believe nurses must advocate for safe, healing, and supportive surroundings that foster recovery. Finally, Nursing itself is the compassionate application of evidence-based care, advocacy, education, and collaboration to empower patients and improve outcomes.
When reflecting on my philosophy in relation to Module 1.1, I recognize that my focus on holistic care builds on Florence Nightingale’s contributions. Her emphasis on hygiene, environment, and professional education continues to influence modern practice, particularly in patient safety and evidence-based care. However, unlike Nightingale’s limited perspective on mental health, I believe addressing psychological well-being is just as critical as physical health in nursing today. Module 1.2 also highlighted Nightingale’s legacy through the comparison of resumes; it reinforced how her lifelong dedication shaped nursing into a profession, and how her relevance persists in today’s commitment to quality care and professional development.
Comparing my philosophy with nursing theorists, I see alignment with Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, which emphasizes supporting patients to achieve independence in managing their own health. I value empowering patients through education and advocacy, which reflects Orem’s ideas of fostering autonomy. At the same time, my philosophy resonates with Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, as I believe the nurse-patient relationship and compassionate presence are vital to healing. Watson’s holistic view of caring complements my belief in treating the person as a whole, including mind, body, and spirit.
In conclusion, my professional philosophy incorporates the core nursing meta-paradigm concepts to guide compassionate and evidence-based care. While I honor Nightingale’s historical contributions, I also expand on them to address modern challenges, including mental health and patient autonomy. By integrating Orem’s focus on self-care and Watson’s emphasis on caring, I aim to practice nursing in a way that empowers patients, promotes holistic wellness, and fosters trust within the nurse-patient relationship.
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