PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING

I believe the goal of nursing to be the healing of the body, mind, and soul of the patient/client in a holistic and comprehensive manner.  In order to achieve this goal it is the nurse’s responsibility to have a knowledgeable and holistic approach to problem solving and care delivery.  A patient/client teaching approach that is both illness specific and preventive in nature will be a necessary goal.  This goal can be enhanced through the development of strong nurse-patient/client and nurse-physician relationships.  A collaborative relationship between medicine and nursing is essential to meeting patient/client needs and moving them toward health restoration and maintenance.

I firmly believe the nurse needs to foster patient/client autonomy and assist him/her in the decision making process regarding his/her best health care interests.  Nurses must encourage and allow active participation of the patient and family during his/her journey through the health care environment.  Nurses now must manage the care they deliver to ensure the best treatment, in the least amount of time, for the most efficient cost.

I also believe that nursing owes something to its own, and is responsible for facilitating and guiding nurses to grow professionally.  In the interest of longevity of health care and health care providers it is the responsibility of nursing to provide quality care in a risk-managed, cost-effective manner.

I believe that nurses functioning as managers have a responsibility not only to the patient/client but also to the staff that is to be managed.  It is the responsibility of the manager to be a mentor, and foster an environment of accountability and responsibility.  It is important to let those that are managed have a guided input into decision making.  It is important to develop an environment which fosters empowerment and growth.  I believe that staff development is equally as important as patient/client teaching.  A staff that is knowledgeable about all aspects of care delivery can accomplish the goal of providing better care in a cost-effective manner.