Instructions: Students will write a 3 page paper applying a nursing philosophy paper to guide your nursing practice. Reflect on what is important to you as an individual and as a nursing student.
Nursing philosophy paper (20 points)
Instructions: Students will write a 3 page paper applying a nursing philosophy paper to guide your nursing practice.
Reflect on what is important to you as an individual and as a nursing student.
Think about what you believe and what you value. Develop a paper that includes the following:
* Personal values (3points) – identify three personal values and beliefs that important to you.
* Professional values (3points) – identify three professional values and beliefs that you feel they are important in nursing practice.
* Alignment of values (3points) – describe where your personal values or beliefs align with your professional values and beliefs in nursing practices.
* Nursing theory (5points) – identify a nursing theory that resonates with your personal belief system.
* Conclusion (3points) – based on your personal and professional values and beliefs, explain how these can make a difference in your patient’s lives.
Many healthcare professionals establish a set of values that guide their patient care decisions and motivate them in the workplace. As a nurse, you can develop your own nursing philosophy to outline the values, beliefs and goals that drive you to be an effective nurse. In this article, we cover what a nursing philosophy is, why it’s important and how to write one as well as provide some examples to help you craft your own nursing philosophy statement.
What is a nursing philosophy?
A nursing philosophy is a mission statement that outlines a nurse’s values, beliefs, personal and professional ethics as they relate to the nursing profession and their motivation for being a nurse. This statement may consider a nurse’s education, training, professional practice, personal approach to patient care and career goals as a nursing professional.
Some nursing philosophy statements may focus on what being a nurse means to you, what you think makes an excellent nurse or what you think makes you a good nurse.
Related: Interview Question: “Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse?”
Why is a nursing philosophy important?
Having a nursing philosophy can:
Improve how you interact with patients, their families and your colleagues
Understanding your nursing-related values, such as integrity, dependability and respect, can help you approach every interaction with the goal of upholding those values. For example, you might demonstrate dependability by helping a fellow nurse perform a complex procedure, or you might show integrity by admitting a mistake and working to fix it.
As a nurse, you may experience challenges in the workplace, like long shifts and high-pressure patient situations. Remembering why being a nurse is important to you can help you stay motivated and focused while overcoming those challenges. For example, your philosophy may revolve around being able to make a difference in patients’ lives, which may help you put your long shifts into perspective.
Enable you to write a succinct and captivating resume objective
When applying to a nursing role, you can submit a resume with an objective or summary statement that highlights what makes you a great nurse and why you’re passionate about patient care. Writing this objective can be easier when you’ve already thought about and written out your nursing philosophy, which often includes one or both of these elements.
Related: How To Craft a Great Objective for a Nurse Resume
Interviewers are likely to ask questions about why you got into nursing, what keeps you motivated and how your values align with the organization. You can review your nursing philosophy statement while preparing for your interview to help you craft answers to these questions. In some cases, employers may directly ask for your nursing philosophy, so reviewing it before the interview can better help you recite it.