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My Nursing Philosophy and How Nursing Knowledge Influences My Nursing PracticeMichelle De WeerdStudent ID: 3405195Athabasca UniversityAuthor NoteMichelle De Weerd, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca UniversityContact: mdeweerd1@athabasca.eduAbstractNursing philosophies, theories and models have had a huge impact on the nursing profession. Nurses are held to high professional, educational, and ethical standards and these philosophies and theories have guided nurses in their day-to-day practice and contributed to nurses’ personal philosophies. Through peer reviewed articles and personal thoughts, this paper explores the writer’s own personal nursing philosophy, how it fits into the nursing metaparadigm, and the influence nursing knowledge has had on their practice. This paper also examines how nursing scholars play an essential role in contributing to furthering nursing science and knowledge. Through their inquisitive questions and research, they can have a positive impact on the development of current nursing philosophies, providing updated and effective healthcare to the public. Keywords: nursing philosophy, theory, nurse scholar, ethics, professionalism, holistic, caring, nurse education. My Nursing Philosophy and How Nursing Knowledge Influences My Nursing PracticeNursing is considered a highly respected profession by the public, and nurses are expected to be qualified, skilled, and respectable professionals (Ten Hoeve, Jansen, & Roodbol, 2014). The public and the nursing professional body hold nurses to high educational, ethical, and professional standards. I entered the nursing profession because it gives me an opportunity to dive into a career that acknowledges the importance of caring and is an ever-evolving field, where your knowledge is never complete. Each nurse has their own professional identity and nursing philosophy, which are made up of values and beliefs that guide their actions, thinking, and interactions with patients and families (Ten Hoeve, et al., 2014). My own personal nursing philosophy is continually evolving and developing throughout my career. This paper looks at how I define nursing, my personal nursing philosophy, how nursing knowledge influences my practice, and how I can continue to contribute to the future development of nursing knowledge as I continue my studies. Definition of NursingJean Watson writes that, “nursing is a lifetime journey of caring and healing, seeking to understand and preserve the wholeness of human existence, and to offer compassionate, informed, and knowledgeable human caring to society and humankind” (Watson, p. 479, 2009). Furthermore, nursing is described by Virginia Henderson as the act of caring for patients when they lack the knowledge, physical strength, or the ability to care for themselves (Van Schagen, 2017). My understanding of nursing aligns with Watson’s and Henderson’s thoughts of nursing. Nursing not only addresses the medical and scientific aspect of illness, but it also addresses the patient as a whole and seeks to promote their best possible health through caring and compassion.Nursing to me is caring for those who are sick or dealing with illnesses in a kind, compassionate, and empathetic way; putting patients at the center of care. Furthermore, it is promoting recovery, health, and wellness for patients, families, and communities (Thorne, Canam, Dahinten, Hall, Henderson, & Kirkham, 1998). Patient advocacy is an important role of the nurse as well. Through understanding the lived experiences of our patients, we can start to understand how to advocate and care for their needs (Thorne, et al., 1998). Nurses spend a significant amount of time with their patients and therefore are in the best position to advocate for the patient’s needs and wellbeing (Choi, 2015). Nursing also involves continued education as best practices and policies within nursing are continually evolving and changing. My Nursing PhilosophyThe increase in demands and expectations for current nurses are often more than what can be handled in a day, so it is critical that nurses examine the values and beliefs that pulled them into the nursing profession and articulate these to develop a personal nursing philosophy (Denehy, 2001). “A philosophy statement expresses our unique values and goals that ultimately guide our practice as professional nurses” (Denehy, 2001, p. 2). My nursing philosophy is vastly different now then when I first started my career and it will continue to change, grow, and evolve as the nursing profession evolves and changes. Nursing is the art of caring for patients with knowledge and compassion. Alongside hands-on patient care, my nursing philosophy includes showing compassion, empathy, and kindness in all my nursing actions. Van Schagen writes that her purpose in nursing, “is to commit myself to learning, and to deliver the knowledge with altruistic kindness and compassion to each patient in the most effective way possible” (Van Schagen, 2017, p. 16). I support this purpose in nursing, as continued learning is essential to providing the best possible care in the most humanistic way possible. I embody the art of nursing by caring for my patient’s in a holistic manner, showing kindness and value to each patient (McCutcheon, K., et al., 2017). Furthermore, my nursing philosophy includes being present for my patients through active listening, a soft touch, and walking their journey with them even just for a short moment.Nursing Knowledge in PracticeMy nursing philosophy fits into Fawcett’s metaparadigm of nursing; environment, health, person, and nursing (Thorne, et al., 1998). It allows me to accept and acknowledge my patient as a unique individual, understand what health means to them, and grasp how their environment and culture shapes their life and health goals. I aim to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and allow the patient’s view and understanding of their health guide the nursing care I provide (Van Schagen, 2017). The patient and their families are at the center of my holistic nursing care, with the patient’s understanding of their own health and how their environment plays a role in their health as the only important data needed to care for the patient (Thorne et al., 1998). Nursing Theories in PracticeNursing knowledge and theories are used daily in my nursing practice. Prior to starting this course, I rarely thought about nursing theory; and now I see how integrated it is within my nursing profession. It is evident that I use several different aspects of nursing theories and models daily and I am developing a deeper understanding of how I can apply them in practice. For example, in the emergency department I use Orem’s self-care deficit theory which suggests that educated and experienced nurses help identify and educate patients on self-care that surpasses their regular ability to manage at home (Cox, & Taylor, 2005). For example, when reviewing dressing changes, wound care, catheter management and care, fever management, pain management, and asthma management with patients and their families in preparation to send them home to care for themselves, I am utilizing Orem’s self-care deficit theory. Furthermore, I use Roy’s adaptation model regularly in my practice. “Nurses play a vital role in assisting individuals who are sick or well to respond to a variety of new stressors, move toward optimal well-being, and improve the quality of their lives through adaptation” (Phillips, 2010, p. 309). For example, when instructing people on managing at home with fractured bones and using assistive devices such as crutches, I am assisting them in adapting, even if just for a short while, in managing with their “illness” at home. Moreover, Katharine Kolcaba’s theory of comfort is easily applicable within the emergency department as it is important to reach a sense of comfort for patients with pain, homeostasis, nausea, and vomiting (Kolcaba, 1994). I also utilize her theory when providing comfort to families of trauma patients as well as palliative patients within the emergency setting. The nursing as caring theory is another model that has a huge impact on my practice, which I did not realize until we studied it in class. This theory suggests that the focus of nursing involves the nurturing of persons through caring, focusing on, and celebrating the human person in their fullness (Boykin & Schoenhofer, 2013). In my nursing actions, I aim to present a caring nature that is holistic, addressing the physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and social contexts of the patient’s comfort (Kolcaba, 1994).In addition, I utilize Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations within my nursing practice. Peplau’s theory allows nurses to interact skillfully with patients in the emergency setting to encourage trust, mutual goal setting, therapeutic interventions, and improve the experience for both the patient and nurse (Senn, 2013). It is imperative to develop a trusting relationship with the patient in a quick and efficient manner as emergency nurses tend not to work alongside patients for extended periods of time. As I continue to reflect on my nursing practice, I see evidence of many aspects of nursing theories utilized within my practice and I will continue to be mindful of how nursing theories and models can influence my practice, support my understanding of nursing, and further develop my nursing philosophy. Ethics and Professionalism Ethics and professionalism play an important part in my nursing practice as well. “Inherent in nursing practice is the obligation to protect patients from harm and the respect of human rights, cultural rights, the right to life and choice, human dignity, and the need for respect in care” (Vryonides, Papastavrou, Charalambous, Andreou, & Merkouris, 2015, p. 882). As nurses, it is our responsibility to act in an ethical manner to provide care to all persons without discrimination. Within my own practice we see people from different cultures, and it is important to respect their individual health goals and decisions. Furthermore, professionalism within nursing is important to my practice. A large part of professionalism is having high standards of competency and knowledge (Yoder, 2017). When working in the emergency department it is imperative to continually maintain certification in extra courses such as the Advanced Cardiac Life Saving Course, the Trauma Nursing Care Course, courses for understanding 12-lead ECG’s, and Pediatric Life Saving Courses. Maintaining these courses, along with others, allows me to stay updated, proficient, and competent in providing the best care possible for my patients. Maintaining these certifications is one way I can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and competency, and therefore professionalism, within the emergency department (Yoder, 2017). Contribution to Nursing KnowledgeAs a nurse scholar and in my ongoing education, I can contribute to the development and progression of nursing knowledge. As professional nurses, it is part of our obligation to be nurse scholars and contribute to furthering the nursing profession in a positive and efficient manner (Bunkers, 2000). Nursing is “a scientific discipline of having developed nursing theories encompassing more than one paradigm to guide nurses in understanding the human health process” (Bunkers, 2000, p. 116). As a nurse scholar seeking to deepen my nursing knowledge, I must be “accountable for understanding these nursing theories and conceptual frameworks and utilizing them in guiding practice, research, education, and regulation” (Bunkers, 2000, p. 116). Through research, nurse scholars can develop knowledge frameworks and evolving theoretical structures so that new thoughts can start to shape the nursing world (Thorne, 2006) and address human health challenges within the nursing community (Bunkers, 2000). It is imperative that we push forward and unearth innovative practices within nursing for the advancement of nursing science. As I work through my Master’s of Nursing, I can immerse myself in nursing theories and methodologies in order to further provide nursing care to my patients and be willing to risk challenges in order to push forward with nursing theory in expanding nursing science (Bunkers, 2000). Through inquisitive questioning, research, and discovery, I can assist in developing original frameworks and concepts to enhance nursing science and practice. ConclusionIn conclusion, my nursing philosophy centers around holistic, knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate care for both my patients and their families. I strive to provide care with cultural sensitivity, considering my patients health goals and how their environment affects their health and health goals. As I continue my studies and develop a deeper understanding of nursing knowledge and theories, it is evident that aspects of various nursing theories and models affect my nursing care. Moreover, as I pursue my educational goals, it is imperative, through studying and seeking deeper knowledge, that I contribute to furthering nursing science for the betterment of patient care.ReferencesBunkers, S. S. (2000). The Nurse scholar of the 21st century. Nursing Science Quarterly 13(2), 116-123. Retrieved from: , P. P. (2015). Patient advocacy: The role of the nurse. Nursing Standard, 29(41), 52. doi: , K. R. & Ttaylor, S. G. (2005). Orem’s self-care deficit nursing theory: pediatric asthma as exemplar. Nursing Science Quarterly, 18(3). 249-257. Retrieved from: , J. (2001). Articulating your philosophy of nursing. Journal of the School of Nursing, 17(1), 1-2. Retrieved from: , K. (1994). A theory of holistic comfort for nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing (1994), 19, 1178-1184. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.1994.tb01202.xPhillips, K. D. (2010). Roy’s Adaptation Model in Nursing Practice. In M. R. Alligood (Eds.), Nursing Theory: Utilization and Application (pp. 309-335). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby, Inc. Senn, J. F. (2013). Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations: Application in Emergency and Rural Nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly 26(1), 31-35. Retrieved from: Hoeve, Y., Jansen, G., & Roodbol, P. (2014). The nursing profession: public image, self-concept, and professional identity. A discussion paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing (2014), 70(2), 295-309. doi: , S. E. (2006). Nursing Education: Key issues for the 21st century. Nurse Education Today, 6(6), 306-313. Retrieved from: , S., Canam, C., Dahinten, S., Hall, W., Henderson, A., & Kirkham, S. R. (1998). Nursing’s metaparadigm concepts: disimpacting the debates. Journal of Advanced Nursing (1998), 27(6), 1257-1268. doi: Schagen, S. (2017). Making kindness count. Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand (2017), 23(1), 16-18. Vryonides, S., Papastavrou, E., Charalambous, A., Andreou, P., & Merkouris, A. (2015). The ethical dimension of nursing care rationing: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Nursing Ethics, 22(8), 881-900. doi: 10.1177/0969733014551377. Watson, J. (2009). Caring science and Human caring theory: Transforming personal and professional practices of nursing and health care. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 31(4), 466-482. Retrieved from , L. (2017). Professionalism in Nursing. MedSurg Nursing, 26(5), 293 – 294. Retrieved from: ................
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