Howard Derby – Nursing Philosophy Self-reflective Journal (week 10)

In reading my nursing philosophy from my first RN-BSN class, I don’t think much has changed.
I am not in this program for leadership roles. I am in this program because when I obtained my
job as an IV nurse, I was required to sign a contract stating I would obtain my BSN within 3
years or face termination. I really enjoy my work as an IV nurse and want to continue in this
role. I do not wish to pursue a leadership role in nursing nor change my career anytime soon. I
work as a WIP shift nurse and am able to spend time with my son during the week. I love going
into a patient’s room who is somewhat afraid of needles and never has a good experience where I
am able to give them a great, 1-stick, IV experience. In addition, my NUR300 paper was written
before I became a father and I now feel prouder to have a BSN in nursing to show my son.
Although, I appreciate the knowledge this program has provided and I have grown as a nurse. I
wish to now take on more IV roles such as PICC certifications and trainings to better my skill.
Further, the nursing theory from my NUR300 paper still correlates to my personal nursing
philosophy, i.e. “Virginia Henderson's Need Theory because it is based on the patient’s road to
recovery.” I believe in helping patients help themselves so they can have a successful recovery
and learn to use those helpful tools in the future to prevent hospital stays. My wellness plan has
been broadened with the group project showing how important self-care is for nurses. I continue
to have an Entrepreneur personality that extends from my nursing career into my personal life. I
strive to learn more in other fields than nursing. I have an automotive associate’s degree from
Del Tech and I now wish to pursue a culinary degree. I like to be more versed outside of nursing
as well as in my career. My nursing career does not define me. I want to be more versed for my
son and my wife in creating our best life. I don’t believe all nurses have to be leaders but this
program helped me to see into the leadership roles more