Addendum

Nursing Philosophy Reflection Journal

Leah E. Belk

Department of Nursing, Delaware Technical Community College

Nursing 460-2W1 Nursing Capstone

Dr. Karen Wagamon

July 15, 2022

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Nursing Philosophy Reflection

Looking back at the nursing philosophy that I created, I believe it still holds true to this

day and has only gotten stronger. Continued education, personal wellness, leadership, and

bettering patient care are all things that I focus on greatly today because they are essential in the

nursing field. Progressing through the program, I feel like my nursing philosophy has certainly

solidified.

Personal wellness is vital when balancing schoolwork and working in the hospital

because it can be very easy to get behind which can lead to unnecessary stress. I have learned to

balance my time as to not get overwhelmed on my days off. Since writing my nursing

philosophy, I feel I have learned how important it is to take care of yourself because while you

may have friends and family you can talk to about things, it is also your own responsibility to

support your mental health. Knowing the signs of burnout such as constant exhaustion or finding

no enjoyment in the job are important for personal wellness. Burnout during the current nursing

shortage has become sadly common so ensuring this does not happen to me has become crucial.

Taking necessary breaks and vacation time have become a necessity for me because when I first

started my job, I felt ashamed to take vacations. But I have since learned that it is important for a

work-life balance.

My nursing theory, Virginia Henderson’s 14 components of Basic Nursing care, still fits

my current nursing theory because it covers the basics of patient health and wellness. It outlines

essential skills that every nurse should have while also covering the basic needs that build the

foundation of nursing. It is good to start with a foundation and work your way up from there.

Virginia felt that it was important to promote patient independence so that progression after

hospitalization is not delayed. The focus should be on the needs of the patient and how the nurse
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can meet those needs. As a nurse on a medical/surgical unit, we want to address the patients’

health, get them back to their baseline or close to it, and then get them to either skilled nursing

facility or back home. This ensures that they live a more independent life.

My philosophy has contributed greatly to my perspective on nursing leadership because I

respect all of my coworkers, not only in nursing but other parts of the interdisciplinary team. It is

important to have strong leadership skills because not only does it help you with communication

with coworkers and students, but it also helps with skills in the field. There are numerous times

throughout the day that I need to communicate with my charge nurse about what is going on with

my patients as well as doctors that ask for updates. This can also be translated to my nursing

program as I need to have excellent communication skills to interact with my peers for group

projects and discussion boards.

When I first started nursing school, I knew that nursing was going to be a tough career

that was going to have its ups and downs. Working in an inpatient setting, nurses witness many

sad situations and long shifts can lead to pure exhaustion and overstimulation once you get

home. Since working during a pandemic and working through the overturn of Roe v. Wade, it

has reminded me more so of why I became a nurse. My philosophy has not changed as a nurse, it

has only grown, and I am reminded of that daily.

A nursing philosophy goes on values and beliefs of the nurse. It can be ever changing and

progressing as the nurse progresses throughout their career. I strongly believe that my current

philosophy is my groundwork in order to continue to build. If I were to eventually continue in

my education or change of jobs, my philosophy may change as I am exposed to new situations.

And I look forward to cultivating my nursing philosophy in the years to come.