Teresa Smith Case

Personal Definition of Nursing

Teresa Smith

Submitted to Debra Hoffman, FNP-C in partial fulfillment of

NR 485R Advanced Practicum and Capstone

Regis University

March 18, 2013

Introduction

The scope of this paper is to define my personal nursing philosophy based on clinical practice experiences over the past several semesters. I will then compare them to my initial personal nursing philosophy that I defined in my sophomore year. The beliefs, values, and theories that guide my professional practice will be explored, as well as personal and professional goals.

After re-reading my first personal philosophy paper, I was happy to find that the foundation for my nursing care has not waivered much. I still very much believe that providing exceptional patient-centered care is the cornerstone to great nursing practice. In addition, I feel that nursing is a calling from a higher power. In order to be successful the nurse is able to understand and communicate the needs of the patient, be knowledgeable of available resources, and have the tenacity to stand up for their patients.

Personal Definition of Nursing

In my initial paper, I mention M. Jean Watson, Florence Nightingale, and Dorthea Orem as theorists that captured my philosophy of nursing. While I still think there is a great deal to be learned from these theorists, I have found through my hospital experiences that the theorist I lean more towards depends on where in the hospital or community I am working and the patient or client I am working with.

I have found a love for fast paced, high stress environments, such as the Intensive Care Units. According to Johnson & Webber (2010), Virginia Henderson's Definition of Nursing targets this population, by focusing on patient safety and nursing knowledge. She further explains, the nurse is to assist the individual, sick, or well, in the performance of those activities that contribute to health, recovery, or to a peaceful death. Henderson felt that nurses who had clear idea of their role were able to define expectations and identify boundaries, therefore providing safe and competent care (p.129).

My personal definition of nursing encompasses what Henderson and other theorists have recognized but as times have changed, nursing involves much more than any one theorist defined does. Nursing is a group of educated professionals committed to the complete wellness of the patient, their families, and the community. It requires a specific skillset that includes intellectual competencies, technical skills, and the ability to think critically.

They must be tactful, authoritative, and compassionate. Have the capability to talk with patients, families, physicians, and other professionals even in the worst of situations. They serve in hospitals, offices, or schools. Nevertheless, they serve as role models and advocate for a better quality of life.

Personal and Professional Values

My parents taught many family values me. From my mother I learned love, empathy, and kindness towards others. From my father I have learned humility, selflessness, and self-control. Having strong family values, has given me the foundation for building stronger and consistent values that I have applied in my career as a nurse.

I remember as a teenager, my uncle was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The care and compassion shown to