Personal Nursing Philosophy / Journey

 

My Philosophy:

         Nursing is an interactive phenomenon supported by active, caring, interpersonal relationships. Nursing can be both complex and pure and one must be able to differentiate which approach is appropriate, or when to implement both simultaneously. Nursing fosters hope, encourages self - sufficiency, and advocates patient centered care. Nursing is not for those opposed to change as it promotes new avenues, backed by trials and evidence based research, to achieve holistic care. Overall, nursing possesses a stable foundation, that has propelled it through times of scrutiny and skepticism, but is adaptable and constantly perfecting it’s approach in efforts to provide patient centered care.

In my mind, I see nursing as a calling not merely a profession. For this reason from the get-go in my nursing career I have always voiced that nursing should be patient centered and not paycheck centered. Too many individuals are in this profession for the job security, and while there is nothing wrong with job security nursing should be a selfless profession and not solely focused on personal gain. A nurse is a detective, caregiver, listening ear, and sometimes the backbone for their patients. Nursing requires looking further into the patient’s symptoms, reading between the lines, and connecting the dots. When patients are the most vulnerable nurses step in and care, sometimes through words but most often with actions, which are carried out in such a way that the patient feels thankful but not embarrassed. Nurses realize that patients do not care how much we know until they know how much we care and the best way to show this is to take the time to listen to what the patient has to say. And nurses, though respectful of doctors and other medical personnel, have an obligation to stick up for the patient and cannot be afraid to be a voice for them when needed.

           Individuals are just that: individual. For this reason nurses must approach the facet of the “person,” understanding that each is unique and although similar characteristics may be present patients differ in their needs and priorities. Persons identify themselves based upon spiritual, cultural and social experiences, or lack thereof. Individuals seek purpose and strive for recognition, meaningful relationships, respect, happiness, and love. At anytime a person’s identity can be altered due to events, transitions, and relationships.

             Interpretation of health is also dependent on spiritual, social, and cultural upbringing. Some see health as a reflection of their character, and lack thereof a punishment for wrongdoing. I see health as a gift that individuals must cultivate and take care of through healthy food choices, exercising, and meaningful relationships; however, I recognize that some individuals are predisposed to illnesses with which they had no way to prevent. Ultimately, to me, good health is a subjective condition but it is when individuals feel fulfilled, satisfied and possess a sense of well-being.

             I am actively implementing my nursing philosophy into the patient care I provide. I listen to my patients and then voice my interpretation of what they are saying and ask them if this is what they mean. I use each patient’s unique feelings and concerns to shape the plan of care I provide them and the level of advocacy I need to implement for them. Ultimately I promote self-sufficiency and look for ways to promote active involvement in their own plan of care. My profession humbles me and I do not take it for granted. I reflect on the words of Florence Nightingale to be ever vigilant, because she warned “if you cannot get the habit of observation one way or other, you had better give up being a nurse, for it is not your calling, however kind and anxious you may be” (as cited in Alligood, 2014, pg., 70). At times nursing can be the most emotionally and physically draining thing that I have ever encountered, but at other times the satisfaction of knowing I helped someone when they could not do for themselves, or worked with them until they could achieve a goal provides the reinforcement that I was meant to be a nurse. Health is not a guarantee and being able to recognize adverse events before they occur is crucial as a nurse; but it is also crucial to realize that not everyone views health with the same perspective and to be open minded to your patient’s beliefs. One must treat each person individually and establish their values, needs, and wants in regards to their health and plan of care and one must realize that a therapeutic environment is needed in order for all these elements to blend together in harmony. As I grow my awareness towards the relationship between nursing, health, person(s), and environment, I can attest that you cannot provide holistic care without consciously incorporating all of these elements into practice.

 

Reference:

Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work (8th ed.). St.Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

 

 

 

 

 My Nursing Journey

            When I was 10 years old I lost my grandmother to a rapidly spreading brain tumor which stripped her of her ability to speak and placed her in a near vegetative state for almost 14 months. I remember resenting the doctors and nurses caring for her, not understanding what or why this was happening. My 10 year old self, and her perceptions of health care, would have probably never went on to become a nurse. I saw the hospital as a dark place, full of sadness and questions, and doubt and doctors and nurses as agents of secrecy.

Then a life event happened that switched my paradigm.

            When I was 12 years old I was awake to witness my baby sister be born. It was a bloody, scary, mess. My mom was screaming, the baby was screaming, I remember wanting to scream; but then the nurse took the time to involve me in the birth process and my whole outlook on nursing changed. She explained to me that everything was okay, that my mom's pain was part of the birth process and that it was good my sister's lungs were working so well. She let me watch my mom deliver the placenta and then explained the difference between the shiny and dull side. Her taking the time to include me and answer my questions and alleviate my fears made me want to grow up and do the same.

And I did.

            I have been a nurse for three years now. It is, at the same time, the most exhausting and exhilarating thing I have ever done. Some days I come home in tears, some days with smiles, but always with the satisfaction that I am doing what I can to make a difference in my patients and their families. Including them in their care, answering their questions and alleviating their fears. Treating them like humans not just like patients. I have held grown men as they sobbed after their mother passed away, I have taught first time parents how to swaddle and change their babies, I have prayed with patients who have asked me to, I have laughed, cried, and cheered my patients on. But one thing that is important on this journey is to include the patients in their care, and if I achieve this I have made a difference.