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Nursing Philosophy

Jessica Gonzalez

Benjamin Leon School of Nursing, Miami Dade College

NUR2811C: Leadership

Professor Paula Bonawitz

December 04, 2021

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Nursing Philosophy

The metaparadigm is a set of ideas that reinforces a structure on how a discipline should

function. These ideas are composed of four domains that include person, environment, health,

and nursing. The metaparadigm refers to the client as a whole, their health and wellbeing, their

environment, and the responsibilities of the nurse. Philosophy in nursing is indispensable when

providing care for clients and the communities; for that reason, the following concept will

outline the importance of nursing, beliefs, values, and vision for future nurses.

Definition of Four Domains

The person metaparadigm refers to individuals in a definite culture, family, and society.

The environment metaparadigm characterizes all regional, national, and global cultural, social,

political, and economic conditions related to human health. The health metaparadigm defines

processes of life and death. The person metaparadigm describes the nursing profession, nursing

practices, and nursing objectives and results (Bahramnezhad, Shiri, Asgari, & Afshar,

2015; Fawcett, 2000). The three theorists who first applied these four major domains in nursing

are Florence Nightingale, Jean Watson and Dorothea Orem. Each theorist had their own

definition. For instance, as future nurses, it is essential to understand the four domains of

metaparadigms and learn how to apply it in real life scenario to demonstrate their significance.

Personalized Definition of Domains

I believe the central part of nursing is to ensure that nurses provide compassionate care.

The main focus in the metaparadigm theory is the person, which would be the client, the

community or a group. The client’s environment is another component of the four domains of the

metaparadigm, this domain goes beyond the client’s surroundings, that goes to anything that can
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impact in their wellbeing or health. The health of a client can change at any time or any age,

that’s why knowing the medical history of a client helps nurses provide the best individualized

treatment and care. Nursing is the last but not least component of the four domains, in this case

nurses must demonstrate their skills and knowledge learn at school and at the hospital to improve

patient care. As an example, excellent communication have a positive effect in building trust and

improving the recovery of the client. Caring is also the essence of nursing since it allows for a

direct relationship between the nurse and client. For these reasons, the four domains of the

metaparadigm are a mix of what a nurse should illustrate. I choose to pursue nursing due to my

personal beliefs to improve patient care, which in this case, I compare it with metaparadigm and

its domains. As a nurse, I will be utilizing emotional and physical engagement to ensure that I

deliver the best outcome and experiences. Nursing requires to develop a therapeutic and quality

relationship with patients for best results. The other reason for choosing this career is because the

job does offer multiple career paths where I can have the opportunity to seek specific skills and

certifications.

Analysis of Two Institutions

Miami Dade College, Benjamin Leon School of Nursing (MDC) and Jackson Memorial Hospital

(JMH) share similar philosophies as their main goal is to provide excellent care. MDC’s goal is

to educate competent future nurses by using the nursing process and evidence-based practice.

(Miami Dade College. 2019, November). JMH encourages their nurses to show their best

potential as professionals by caring, respecting, and recognizing each client’s values. On the

other hand, Miami Dade College differs in the foundation of what it is to become a nurse, and

Jackson Memorial Hospital emphasizes the opportunity to put into effect the skills learned at

school. (Jackson Health System. n.d.)

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Summary

The main goal for patients when vising the hospital is to ensure they are provided with a

single, high- quality standard care; making sure patients' trust is respected, valued, and their

information is protected (Stanley & Stanley, 2018). I believe Metaparadigm will enable nursing

students manage the challenges that nurses face in the work environment, as well as help them

find a way to make an impact in their professional development. Nurses should develop personal

skills to ensure effective collaboration and communication among other staff members.

Reflection

During the research, there were “a-ha” moments in which I did discover that

prioritization is an essential factor in nursing that is also depicted in Maslow’s Hierarchy of

Needs. There are many things that I did learn about myself, such as strong interpersonal and

collaborative skills that enhance teamwork. The nursing philosophy is meaningful and impactful

in my nursing career since it guides to my 10-year goals. There is a special connection between

the two facilities MDC and JMH, since both share similar values, ethics, and beliefs.
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References

Bahramnezhad F., Shiri M., Asgari P., & Afshar P. F. (2015). A review of the nursing

paradigm. Open Journal of Nursing, 5(1), Article ID 53094. 10.4236/ojn.2015.51003

Jackson Health System. (n.d.). Jackson Health System 2009 NURSING EXCELLENCE

REPORT. Https://Storage.Googleapis.Com/Jackson-Library/Annual-Reports/Nursing-

Annual-Report-2009.Pdf. https://storage.googleapis.com/jackson-library/annual-

reports/nursing-annual-report-2009.pdf

Miami Dade College. (2019, November). Associate of Science in Nursing STUDENT

HANDBOOK. Https://Www.Mdc.Edu/Nursing/Docs/ASN-Student-Handbook.Pdf.

https://www.mdc.edu/nursing/docs/ASN-Student-Handbook.pdf

Stanley, D., & Stanley, K. (2018b). Clinical leadership and nursing explored: A literature search.

Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(9–10), 1730–1743. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14145