NUR 4000 Nursing Research and Theory
NUR 4000 Nursing Research and Theory
Professional Nursing Philosophy
After seventeen years in the nursing profession I realize each day is a learning experience. As my experiences evolve so do some of my beliefs and values. However, I believe nursing at its core has fundamentals that are unwavering. The essence of nursing: Caring, empathy, honesty, trust, communication, and respect have transcended all theories. What follows will be a discussion of how I was called to nursing and my vision for my future in the nursing profession. I will also discuss my beliefs and values and how they relate to patients, families, and health care providers. Choice of Nursing
I was called to nursing. I always had a desire to care for others, to comfort, and to listen. As a child I spent summers with my grandmother who was also a nurse. I would watch her show honor in the way she wore her uniform. Before she left for work she made sure her uniform was clean and pressed. She proudly wore her nursing cap. I was able to visit the patients as she made her rounds. As I observed her care I witnessed the understanding, the compassion, and the commitment of a professional nurse. To my surprise and from my experiences my grandmother planted a seed of a nurse’s integrity, honor and loyalty to the care of others. When I was sixteen years old and in the tenth grade I became pregnant. I dropped out of high school but was determined not to be a statistic. Before my daughter was born I completed my GED and three months after her birth I start taking classes at the community college. I knew I had more to offer. I had always been an active part of the community and had an interest in helping others. The career counselor at the community college suggested that I attend nursing school. My grandmother agreed and informed me of a nursing rule. A nurse cannot leave the profession until she finds another nurse to take her place. Five years, two children and one divorce later I finished nursing school. I truly believe it was a calling or I never would have finished. Nursing continues to call me seventeen years later. It calls me to learn more, to do better, and to encourage others. Nursing has now called me back to further my education and obtain my BSN and MSN in the next phase of my career. Essence of Nursing
The core of nursing should be more than a career or a means to monetary gain. Nursing at its core is caring, empathy, honesty, trust, communication and respect. I believe the fundamental core of nursing is caring. If you cannot give of yourself to others you are missing the essence of nursing. “In 2003 the ANA stated that an essential feature of professional nursing is the provision of a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing” (as cited in Meyer & Lavin, 2005, para. 1). Another fundamental core of nursing is respect. The nurse must have respect for the patient and their beliefs. Without this basic respect there will remain a lack of trust on the patient’s part to divulge necessary information that can facilitate their recovery. Listening encompasses both verbal and nonverbal communication between the patient and nurse. Developing a relationship based on trust helps foster communication between the patient and nurse. Listening helps identify issues that can hinder the accomplishment of goals that have been set for the patient’s recovery. Jean Watson’s Caring Theory is comprised of ten carative factors that can foster a caring relationship between the patient and the nurse. According to Chantal Cara (A Pragmatic View, Introduction, para. 2) “upholding Watson’s caring theory not only allows the nurse to practice the art of caring, to provide compassion to ease patients’ and families’ suffering, and to promote their healing and dignity but…
