Personal Philosophy of Nursing

Nursing 401 – Intro to Professional Development for Baccalaureate Nursing Practice

Purpose of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to enable the student to discover his or her personal
philosophy of nursing, as it exists at the beginning of the academic journey toward the BSN.

Student Approach to Assignment

This assignment gave me the opportunity to assess the factors that influence my nursing
practice. I come from a long line of nurses, which gave me the unique ability to reflect on the
values that these nurses have instilled in me throughout my life. While analyzing these values, I
determined how I can incorporate them in my nursing care. This assignment helped me to assess
my own values and to research other nursing values which I can utilize as a nurse. I approached
this assignment with the core values of communication and respect because I believe these to be
at the center of excellent nursing care.
Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio
This assignment is a required component of my portfolio. It displays the values which I
find most important for exceptional nursing care. While I completed this assignment in my first
semester of the ODU RN-to-BSN program, I feel that it still holds true to my beliefs as a nurse.
Overall, this assignment exemplifies the compassion, respect, and communication skills which I
strive to incorporate in the care I provide.
Curricular Outcomes
Critical Thinking

 Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice:
This assignment provided me with the opportunity to analyze different nursing theories
and to decide which theory I felt most resonates with the care I strive to provide for
patients. The nursing theory that I most relate to is Imogene King’s Goal Attainment
Theory because it focuses on interpersonal relationships, which I feel are essential
aspects of excellent nursing care.
 Uses decision-making skills in making clinical or professional judgments:
In order to act as a professional, a nurse must utilize appropriate communication skills,
respect all individuals, and build interpersonal relationships. Through this assignment, I
developed my own view about what characteristics comprise a professional nurse. In a
day-to-day capacity, I utilize these characteristics to build professional relationships with
patients, their families, the healthcare team, and the community.
Research
 Evaluates research that focuses on the efficacy and effectiveness of nursing
interventions:
 In order to complete this assignment, I was required to evaluate research to determine the
characteristics of my philosophy of nursing. I explored multiple sources, and determined
which research contained the characteristics that I strive to include in the care I provide.
Leadership
 Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the
interdisciplinary health care team:
The development of my personal philosophy of nursing required me to consider the
values that make up the role of the nurse. Through this assignment, I determined that the
nurse must use respect, appropriate communication techniques, and interpersonal
relationships in order to act as a patient advocate.
Culture
 Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race,
religion, gender, lifestyle, and age:
One requirement of this assignment was to consider the nurse’s role in culturally diverse
settings. I determined that the nurse must be aware of different cultures and the
healthcare preferences related to these cultures. I also discussed the influence of culture
on communication, and human interactions. Overall, this assignment allowed me to
reflect on the importance of maintaining respect for different cultures, religions, and
lifestyles.