My Nursing Philosophy

Caring is the Essence of Nursing - Madeleine Leininger

I chose nursing as my profession because nursing is what I have envisioned myself doing ever since I was a young girl.  I feel privileged being the one that helps patients overcome the bad times, so that they can start living again in the good times.  This is what makes nursing fulfilling.

I believe that the core of nursing is caring, which is my number one priority as a nurse.  I will exhibit altruism towards my patients and strive to anticipate my patients’ needs before they are aware of what they need.

I believe that the focus of nursing is the holistic approach to patient care, which means treating the whole person including being attuned to their spiritual, physical, and emotional sides.  I will remember there is much more to a patient than just their diagnosis.

My vision for myself as a nurse is that I will strive to be as knowledgeable as I can be for my patients’ sake.  My patients trust me to watch over their lives, so I owe it to them to seek out new research using evidence based practice day in and day out.

To live out my philosophy of nursing, every day I must remember the following few characteristics.  My patients will are my top priority when they are in my care. I will do everything I can for my patients to ensure safety, quality care, professionalism, comfort, advocacy, and a high level of caring.  My patients’ families deserve the same quality of care that my patients receive.  I know that in most cases the families are struggling as well as the patient when illness, disease, surgery, or other medical ailment occurs for the patient.

My fellow health care professionals are my teammates.  Establishing a great working relationship with the interdisciplinary team is one of my goals.  I want to know that they will be there for me to answer questions and give guidance, which in turn causes me to be there for them as well.  My own health is of utmost importance.  Practicing what I teach needs to be demonstrated by my own health practices and how I present myself.  I can not expect my patients to want to change their life for the better if I’m not a positive example.