Professional Nursing Philosophy
Professional Nursing Philosophy
Makenzie D. Lee
of practice can be described as a written document that serves as a compass to guide one’s
practice” (Leinum & Trapskin, 2011, 116-117). When it comes to my personal nursing
philosophy, my core values include compassion, empathy, kindness, education, and advocacy.
After the passing of my grandfather many years ago, I made the decision that I would aspire to
become a nurse. During such a difficult time, it was the nurses who showed such an outpouring
of empathy and compassion which has left an everlasting mark on my family and myself. I
believe that experience has continued to make an impact on how I practice as a nurse today. I
strongly agree that as nurses we are in the frontline of patient care, serving such an important and
Education and learning becomes lifelong as one’s education truly never ends. Every day, as a
nursing philosophy surrounding education, I believe becoming an expert within your field is
imperative. This embraces the necessity to attend many educational opportunities to learn new
skills and understandings within healthcare practices today. Learning allows me to become a
more proficient nurse and patient advocate. Healthcare is forever changing and adapting to best
Throughout the years, many inspirational and influential people have made enormous
nursing philosophy includes patient advocacy, which encompasses my beliefs to ensure positive
patient outcomes. The nursing theorist Florence Nightingale established the Environmental
Theory of nursing. This theory focuses on aspects of the environment that affect health, and how
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manipulation of the environment can improve patient outcomes. When the environment is out of
balance, it is the nurse’s responsibility to correct this for the patients benefit (Zborowsky, 2014,
p. 2). The environmental characteristics were identified as “fresh air, pure water, sufficient food
supplies, efficient drainage, cleanliness of the patient and environment, and light (particularly
direct sunlight)” (Nursing Theory, 2016). Nightingale’s “observations taught her that unsanitary
environments contribute greatly to ill health, and that the environment can be altered in order to
improve conditions for a patient and allow healing to occur” (Nursing Theory, 2016). Our goal
as healthcare providers is to restore our patients back to their standard of health or an improved
and understanding your personal wellness, you can be inspired and encouraged to make positive
changes within your life and aid in decision-making. Personal wellness includes physical,
spiritual, social, emotional, and intellectual wellness. I feel strongly that as nurses we are
examples for our patients regarding wellness and selfcare. In relation to Florence Nightingale’s
Environmental Theory, health and healing are major themes. I believe it is extremely beneficial
to self-reflect in every wellness component to ensure you are in your optimal state, thus only
Within any professional field, conflict may arise. Conflict is often looked at with a
conflict will arise and using conflict resolution strategies, conflict can be beneficial and allow for
compromise. Every individual has their own personality characteristics, and therefore their own
management, which can be described as placing low emphasis on the goal, but high emphasis on
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the relationship with the person involved. This particular conflict style has a large importance on
maintaining relationships even if it means the individual downplays their own feelings. Whereas
others may put a large emphasis on themselves, I personally place high value on others. I try to
“keep the peace” and be flexible, meaning I tend to try and not cause conflict or problems. I
have a great deal of empathy and consideration for all, which only empowers my overall nursing
philosophy.
In healthcare, safety and quality improvement are endlessly evaluated and enhanced to
competencies, which includes, but not limited to, patient-centered care, teamwork and
& Zomorodi, 2014). Being a patient advocate and overall well-rounded nurse includes
conducting safe care. As a healthcare provider, your patients’ safety should be your top priority.
Safety is used to “minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system
effectiveness and individual performance” (Sherwood & Zomorodi, 2014, p.18). In healthcare
philosophy, I take the safety of my patients and the care I provide them with the great
significance.
other people to act, and providing support and motivation to achieve mutually negotiated goals”
(Frankel, 2008). Leaders must be detail-oriented with strategies to attack the problem at hand.
As a leader, you must incorporate the participation and ideas of others. This includes decision-
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making, delegating, resolving conflict, and acting with integrity (Frankel, 2008). Part of my
personal nursing philosophy includes kindness and compassion. These traits are not only
directed towards my patients, but also my coworkers. As a leader within nursing, collaboration
with your team is imperative. I attribute my kind-heartedness as one of the reasons that I am
able to get along with a variety of people. It can become difficult at times, but by theoretically
putting your feet in someone else’s shoes, it gives you a different perspective, which in turn
allows you to be an improved leader. My leadership qualities include being understanding and
professional nurse today. My philosophy encompasses and represents many of my own beliefs
and values that affect who I am and how I treat my patients. My nursing philosophy will remain
a compass and a tool to guide my actions and choices as I move forward within my nursing
career.
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References
Dolansky, M. A., & Moore, S. M. (2013). Quality and safety education for nurses (QSEN): The
key is systems thinking. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 18(3), 1-12. https://doi-
org.libproxy.dtcc.edu/10.3912/OJIN.Vol18No03Man01
Frankel, A. (2008). What leadership styles should senior nurses develop? Nursing Times,
archive/leadership/what-leadership-styles-should-senior-nurses-develop/1811643.article
Leinum CJ, & Trapskin PJ. (2011). Writing a personal philosophy of practice. American Journal
org.libproxy.dtcc.edu/10.2146/ajhp100426
theory.org/theories-and-models/nightingale-environment-theory.php
Sherwood, G. & Zomorodi, M. (2014). A new mindset for quality and safety: The QSEN
competencies redefine nurses’ roles in practice. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 41(1), 15-
http://search.ebscohost.com.libproxy.dtcc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=947
20142&site=ehost-live
QSEN Institute. (2014). QSEN competencies. Retrieved November 20, 2018 from
http://qsen.org/competencies/pre-licensure-ksas/#patient-centered_care
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http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.dtcc.edu/10.5935/1414-8145.20150069