Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing

Philosophy of Nursing
Megan Crump
NURS 500
University of New Hampshire

Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing

Background
Dependable, a person who has such traits embodies the
characteristics that frame the best of us. As every human being on this
planet has or will need a support system at some point in life to
depend on the field of nursing is essential. To provide support,
comfort, and care for someone else is what it truly means to be a
nurse. Most often put in a position that requires a combination of
critical thinking through knowledge and compassion, a nurse embodies
influential traits. This challenge is what drew me toward the career Ive
always found pride in helping people as its one of the few things I
would consider myself good at, a natural effort. With this simple desire
to help those in need, is enough motivation for success throughout the
University of New Hampshires Nursing program prior to entering.
What It Means To Be A Nurse
With a relationship centered on trust, advocacy remains the most
important role of a Nurse. These values and ethical principles vary
from different individuals, however the ultimate goal of reaching
optimal health does not. A Philosophy of Nursing is said to be a
natural extension of our interest in the truth, specifically our own true
motivators responsible for our passion to dedicate ourselves toward
care for other human beings. A Nurse is the only profession I see
myself truly identifying with. It is someone who strives to promote
dignified support for those who may be in the worst or most vulnerable

Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing

times of their life. A Nurse can allow patients to bring positivity to

themselves as the power of communication is far beyond just words. A
nurse can bring encouragement and confidence to a patient through
conversations to show support and hope.
To be a nurse means to be kind and to be honest, with sincere
efforts to appreciate the good in everyone. In order to provide that
quality care, is important to understand that emotions may get the
best of people during these undesirable times in their lives. It is crucial
to embrace every patient, to see them as a whole: mind, body and
soul. Its both a skill and a trait to connect with people and gain trust
through building strong relationships in a professional manner, while
exceeding the tasks at hand and going above a beyond for each and
every patient.
Nurse-Client Interactions
Nurses are often in positions where patients lives are literally in
their hands, it is important that the patient trusts their Nurse. With
trust, both sides will feel confident in their abilities to achieve the
goal. Thus a Nurse should be aware of the words and actions used
throughout their practice, as it can truly affect the relationship.
Communication between the nurse and the client is essential, as it
provides the necessary components to build the relationship. In order
to carry out the needs of the client to build this trust, conversation
needs to be there. Understanding different patients and being able to

Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing

advocate for them through communication can help individualize their

care. Patients can only benefit from these positive interactions with
their nurse, as the Nurse would be aware of the expected needs and
desires of the patient.
Being a Patient to a Nurse
Honesty is an equally important characteristic expected of a
patient as it is of a Nurse, as the relationship is dependent on both of
them. To provide quality care as a Nurse the patient needs to do their
part, requiring a reciprocated attempt to accomplish each task that is
expected. Whether they are a community of people needing support, a
single person in detrimental health or a close family losing a loved one;
they can all be a consider a patient. A Nurses ability to advocate for
them is based on the honest infromation and effort they provide.
Health: Nurses versus Patients
Holistic health is the balance of physical, social, mental,
emotional and spiritual aspects of a person. To establish and maintain
this balance for a patient, a Nurse is responsible for becoming aware of
individualized needs to meet and to assist them in everyway they can.
This assistance may be through encouragement or acquiring services
to help, or by providing them with learning experiences and reference
materials to motivate them. The nurse is responsible for advocating
for their patients individualized health-goals.

Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing

As a patient, expressing ones needs and goals concerning

personal health is an essential step; however it ultimately comes down
to applying the tools provided by the nurse. Attending meetings,
improving diets, maintaining exercise habits these are examples of
behaviors the patients should be willing change or improve for their
health.
The Importance of a positive Environment
A negative mind will never give you a positive life (Unknown
Author) this a powerful statement that can be applied to just about any
situation that speaks to the importance of positive environments with
solid support systems All members of a healthcare team have the
potential to be influenced by the surrounding environment, whether
this is positive or negative. With this said, I truly believe everyone in
the healthcare team is responsible for contributing to a positive
environment, reassuring other staff members, patients, patients
families and even self.
Financial status absolutely influences the ability of care provided
for a patient based on the necessary tools readily available. For
example, financial circumstances may put a restriction on certain
procedures available. Ultimately I feel that people have the ultimate
influence, attitude and mind set to truly shape the outcome.
Ethical Percepts to Guide My Care as A Nurse

Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing

Self-Care, Equality and Beneficence: Three powerful terms that I

wish to represent the care as a Nurse. A Nurses health condition and
well being has a direct effect on the ability to provide care to patients;
a Nurses poor self care could potentially jeopardize the patients
health. Equality is important as well because it represents the dignity
that nurses promote for their patients, ensuring they feel important
and respected. Lastly, Beneficence is the act of doing good, to
benefit others. Meaning, every action I take as a Nurse is for the
betterment of my patient to eliminate harm and promote health.

Resources
Philosophy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2015, from
http://www.carefulnursing.ie/go/overview/philosophy
Quotes by various authors, from Positive Thinking: Elevateing your life
by changing your thoughts by Various Authors, Various Authors. (n.d.).
Retrieved December 9, 2015, from
http://simplereminders.com/positive-thinking/quotes/

Running Head: Philosophy of Nursing