Running head: NURSING PHILOSOPHY REFLECTION 1

Nursing Philosophy Reflection Journal

Ashley Selby

NUR460-6W1

Delaware Technical Community College

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Introduction

When I first started my journey in the BSN program I already had a few years of

experience as a nurse. I had been working at two different emergency rooms and was exposed to

multiple situations and experiences. Those experiences not only influenced my day to day

practice as a nurse, but also my goals and philosophy. When I developed my nursing philosophy

in the NUR300 class I already had a solid foundation about what type nurse I was and what type

of nurse I wanted to be. I still have the same values as beliefs as I did back then, and still believe

they are important values to uphold throughout my nursing career.

My Nursing Philosophy

In my philosophy I state that “my nursing values are focused around patient and family-

centered care with the emphasis on having a meaningful and trustworthy nurse-patient

relationship and a collaborative strategy of care”. As an emergency nurse I am tasked with

treating and caring for a plethora of patients. I care for patients who are having acute

exacerbations of chronic illnesses, patients with minor complaints, and patients with life

threatening illnesses that must be attended to immediately. To give my patients and families the

best possible experience I must always stay honest with them and open to their feelings and

concerns. In keeping with the theme of my nursing philosophy, I strive to always be honest with

my patients and their families with expectations regarding their care, time, and treatments. By

doing so, I am maintaining an honest and trustworthy relationship with my patients while also

creating a foundation for a strong rapport.

By being honest with my patients and families I am also keeping to my practice of

collaboration. In my experience, collaborating with my patients about their care has not only
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helped kept them happy; it has also has made a pleasant experience for myself. I have noticed by

always being honest and discussing what the patient expects out of their visit helps sets

boundaries and expectations for all parties that are involved. I have noticed in my experience this

works particularly well on days where the emergency room (ER) is busy and I am unable to

round on patients more frequently. I have learned that as long as I am honest and we talk about

how the day is going, my patients stay happy and are understanding.

Along with collaborating with my patients and establishing a trustworthy nurse-patient

relationship, I have made sure that I have continued to regularly educate myself in the most up-

to-date practice standards so that I am ensuring my patients are cared for with the safest and most

reliable treatments possible. This includes following hospital policies for different procedures

and ensuring that my licensing and certifications are always current. By keeping up to date with

these certifications I am able to participate and help whenever critical situations like a trauma,

stroke, or STEMI comes in to the ER.

My Nursing Theory

A theory that best fits within my values and beliefs is the Goal Attainment Theory created

by Imogen King. The basis of King’s theory is that human beings are the primary focus of

nursing and that the overall goal of nursing is promotion, maintenance, and restoration. King also

believed that nurses needed to be aware of how patients interacted with their environment and

based her definition of nursing on the nurse’s interaction and relationship with the patient and the

patient’s environment. ER nurses are considered the “stabilizers” in the hospital. We treat acute

injuries and medical conditions for any immediate problems and either admit them to other

services for continuation of care or discharge them home. During the time that my patients are in
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the ER with me I am making sure that I am maintaining communication, giving proper care,

educating, and addressing any needs my patient or their family may have.

Leadership

By collaborating with my patients not only am I practicing my nursing philosophy but I

am also exemplifying my leadership skills. Actively listening and basing my care on each of my

patients and their personal needs is exemplifying leadership abilities.

In the program I learned that a leader does not have to have a formal title. A leader is

someone that has the ability to inspire and influence peers to achieve their goals, work to their

highest potential, and to achieve organizational goals.

Conclusion

While my philosophy has not changed, my time through the BSN program has given me

the opportunity to strengthen my values and beliefs. Even when I complete the BSN program I

will continue to practice my philosophy throughout my day to day duties as a nurse and will

continue to develop new values and beliefs that will promote the advancement of my nursing

philosophy.