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My Nursing Philosophy

Diana Almanza

Benjamin Leon School of Nursing, Miami Dade College

NUR 2811C: Professional Nursing Leadership

Janis Walsh

March 29, 2021

My Nursing Philosophy

The metaparadigm of nursing helps guide nurses in their practice such as clinical

judgement, providing quality, and compassionate care. The metaparadigm contains four

domains such as person, nursing, health, and environment. These concepts focus on the

well-being of the patient and what type of care he or she is receiving. It is important for

all nurses to apply these four domains into the nursing process when providing patient

care. In this paper, I will define these four concepts and compare them with other nursing

theories and provide my own personalized definitions of the domains.

The Four Domains

According to “Nursing Theories & Theorists” defines a person as a recipient of

nursing care. For example, individuals, families, or communities. Nursing is the nurse’s

characteristics and actions. There are many different definitions of nursing, and nursing

theorists have difficulty in agreeing which is the correct definition. Health is defined as

wellness of the patient’s experiences. Environment is defined as the internal and external

surroundings that can affect the patient (Wayne, 2021). The concepts provide a

framework for nurses to deliver high quality care and prevent medical errors or

malpractice. Person is described by the “Nursing Theorists and Their Work” (2014) as

“more than a biopsycho-social spiritual being, also encompasses being responsibility

bound. Health includes the flow of qi, yin-yang, and the five phases: wood, water, fire,

mental and earth” (Alligood, p.32).

Faye Abdellah stated that nursing is based on an art and science which can

contribute to the nurse’s attitudes and skills that help when caring for a patient's health

needs (Nursing Theory, 2020, para. 3). Florence Nightingale is known for Environmental
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Theory which she explains that the environment plays an essential role in a patient’s

health and if compromised, it could diminish a patient’s health status. Factors that affect

one’s health are fresh air, water, effective drainage, cleanliness, and proper lighting

(Nursing Theory and Research, n.d.). Each of these theorists have their own definitions

about the four domains but still explain that if any of these concepts are ignored or

compromise that it can affect the way the patient is recovering and nursing practice.

Personalized Definitions of Domains

A nurse should always consider all aspects of a person, nursing, health, and

environment when caring for an individual. In my philosophy, patient care is the primary

focus in my practice. A person is someone that requires resources or someone in need

such as injuries or infection. This is how I would use my clinical judgement when I have

to prioritize a patient's needs and interventions. Even though I have not worked in a

hospital setting, I always believe nursing is someone that can assist and promote a

patient’s health while preventing any harm that can affect the patient. Health is overall

wellness and being free of diseases and injuries. The environment is an important factor

of nursing practice and should always maintain safety and cleanliness. Also, using

therapeutic communication and therapies should be considered to maintain a peaceful and

relaxing environment for patients.

Analysis of Philosophies

Having philosophical values is an important thing to keep in mind when caring

for patients in school institutions and hospitals. The Benjamin Leon School of Nursing

(BLSON) program at Miami Dade College believes, “Patient’s responses to their health

states are dynamic. The nurse will provide care for individuals in this multicultural
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community, and caring behaviors can be provided in a variety of healthcare settings and

community facilities. Collaboration with individuals in the healthcare team and

community agencies will assist in meeting patient needs and reaching positive outcomes

of patient care” (Miami Dade College [MDC], 2019, p.8). One of the important

characteristics in nursing is to be integrated into different communities to provide equal

care for all. Also, it is essential to educate future nurses about teamwork in the healthcare

system to promote optimal patient recovery. The philosophy of the Jackson Health

System is “providing the best care, with care, for everyone by demonstrating compassion,

accountability, respect, and expertise” (Jackson Health System, 2020). Its goal is to

deliver high standard care in the community. The Jackson Health System and BLSON

both uphold the same values when it comes to assisting and caring for the community. In

contrast, BLSON mentions the importance of collaborating with others to provide

excellent patient-centered care.

Summary

My nursing philosophy aligns with BLSON and Jackson Health System because

they believe in patient-centered care and improving one’s health. There are many aspects

of care that can improve a patient’s health besides physical needs. For example,

environmental factors such as a clean and non-stressful environment can help improve a

patient’s outcome. In addition, some patients can benefit from mental or spiritual needs.

Every nurse should have their own type of philosophy to guide them in everyday

situations. When a nurse gains more experience with different patients and learns from

them, they may alter their philosophy that can help improve in their nursing practice.
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Reflection

I learned that there are different philosophies within the nursing practice. In

addition, there is no one way to practice nursing, and each of these theories can influence

what type of nurse one would want to become. My nursing philosophy will gear me

towards vulnerable communities to provide equal and respectful care. I also learned that I

should work in a facility that correlates with my values like Jackson Health System. I felt

like I connected more with BLSON’s philosophy because it did not only mention

community care, but teamwork is also an important factor when helping patients.

Moreover, working with others can help achieve things that may be impossible for one

person to handle. I am proud to be a part and graduate with this program.

References

Abdellah, F. (2019, September 18). Nursing Theory. Retrieved March 29, 2021,

from https://www.nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Faye-Abdellah.php

Alligood, M. R. A. (2014). Nursing Theorists and Their Work. p. 32 Retrieved March 29,

2021, from http://docshare01.docshare.tips/files/29843/298436680.pdf

Jackson Health System. (2020). Mission & vision. Retrieved March 29, 2021, from

https://jacksonhealth.org

Miami Dade College. (2019). Associate of science in nursing student handbook.

Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://mdc.edu/Nursing/docs/ASN-Student-

Handbook.pdf

Nursing Theorists. (n.d.). American Nursing History. Retrieved March 29, 2021, from

https://www.americannursinghistory.org/nursing-theorists

Wayne, G. B. (2021, March 5). Nursing Theories and Theorists. Nurseslabs. Retrieved

March 29, 2021, from https://nurseslabs.com/nursing-theories/