- Review and reflect on your philosophy of nursing practice that you have been developing or revising over the past 2 weeks. Make any revisions you think will improve it.
- Consider the ways in which your personal philosophy is informed by theory and research.
- Review the middle-range nursing theories you applied to your personal philosophy of nursing practice. Make any revisions you think will improve it.
- Consider the interdisciplinary theories you identified for the Discussion this week and how they may or may not be applicable to your personal philosophy of nursing practice.
- Consider other interdisciplinary theories and how they may be applicable to your personal philosophy of nursing practice.
- Think about how you will integrate interdisciplinary theories to strengthen or deepen the ways in which nursing science informs your personal philosophy of nursing practice.
In a 3- to 5-page paper (not including cover page and references page), describe your personal philosophy of nursing practice, including explanations of:
- How your personal philosophy intersects with the four nursing domains: person, environment, health, and nursing
- How your personal philosophy aligns with Walden’s mission of social change
- How your personal philosophy aligns with the SDOH framework
- How at least two middle-range nursing theories support your personal philosophy of nursing practice (Be specific and provide examples.)
- How at least two interdisciplinary
nursing theories support your personal philosophy of nursing practice (Be specific and provide examples.)
Note: Use this week’s Learning Resources to support your Assignment. Use proper APA format and style for all references and citations.?The College of Nursing requires that all papers include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. Use the College of Nursing Writing TemplateLinks to an external site. for your Assignment submission.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling that requires a deep commitment to patient care, advocacy, and continuous learning. Over the past two weeks, I have reflected on and refined my personal philosophy of nursing practice, rooted in compassion, patient-centered care, and the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge. This philosophy draws on both theory and research, and it emphasizes the holistic nature of nursing, where the person, environment, health, and nursing intersect (Skov et al., 2024). My philosophy is shaped by my experiences in long-term care, hospice, and psychiatric nursing, and it is further informed by nursing and interdisciplinary theories.
In alignment with Walden University’s mission of social change and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, my philosophy also seeks to address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality care for vulnerable populations. In this paper, I will discuss how my personal philosophy of nursing practice intersects with the four nursing domains, aligns with social change and the SDOH framework, and is supported by middle-range and interdisciplinary theories.
Intersection of Personal Philosophy with Nursing Domains
The four nursing domains (person, environment, health, and nursing) are central to nursing practice and theory, and they are inherently correlated with my personal philosophy (Lipscomb, 2023). As part of the core nursing practice is the “person” domain. In retrospect, my philosophy places the individual at the center of all care. Each patient is a unique individual with their own values, beliefs, and needs.
Whether working with elderly patients in long-term care or providing hospice care, I believe that understanding the person beyond their medical diagnosis is critical to delivering compassionate and effective care. In my work with dementia patients, I prioritize understanding the emotional and psychological needs of the patient, ensuring that care is medically appropriate and has the capacity to be emotionally supportive.
The “environment” domain plays a significant role in patient outcomes. Be that as it may, my philosophy acknowledges the importance of creating a supportive and healing environment (Lipscomb, 2023). This includes both the physical environment, such as ensuring safety and comfort in a long-term care facility, and the social environment, where communication and relationships among healthcare providers, patients, and families are ensured. In hospice care, for example, creating an environment of peace and support for both patients and their families is essential for providing quality end-of-life care.
“Health” domain in my philosophy is not just the absence of disease but a state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being (Lipscomb, 2023). My nursing practice emphasizes holistic care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s health. In psychiatric nursing, for instance, it is critical to address mental health as it relates with physical health. Finally, the domain of “nursing” itself is present in my commitment to continuous learning, application of evidence-based practice, and the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge to improve patient care (Lipscomb, 2023). I view nursing as a dynamic and evolving profession, where my role is to provide care and to advocate for patients and advance the profession through education and research.
Alignment with Walden’s Mission of Social Change
My personal philosophy of nursing aligns closely with Walden University’s mission of social change, which emphasizes using education to create positive social impact (Berg & Lepp, 2023). As a future DNP-prepared nurse, I am committed to being an advocate for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with mental health conditions. My experiences working with elderly patients in long-term care have shown me the disparities that exist in access to quality care. I believe that every individual, regardless of age, socio-economic status, or health condition, deserves compassionate, patient-centered care. Through advancing my education and applying the principles of social change, I aim to contribute to systemic changes in healthcare that address these disparities.
Engaging in community outreach and collaborating with organizations that advocate for the rights of elderly patients are practical ways I intend to fulfill Walden’s mission. I plan to work with local long-term care facilities to improve staff training and education on dementia care. This strategy will ensure that patients receive the appropriate support and respect they deserve at the healthcare facilities (Berg & Lepp, 2023). Focusing on healthcare disparities and advocating for policy changes that improve access to care will contribute to creating a more equitable healthcare system that benefits all patients, particularly those in underserved populations.
Alignment with the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Framework
The SDOH framework is an essential tool to understanding how factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and environment influence health outcomes. My personal philosophy of nursing aligns with the SDOH framework in various ways. I believe that healthcare should address more than just the physical needs of patients. It is important to consider the broader social and environmental factors that affect health (Sandhu et al., 2023).
An instance that can be used is how elderly patients in long-term care facilities may face social isolation, which can negatively impact their mental health. Through the recognition and addressing these social factors, nurses can provide more holistic and effective care.
In psychiatric nursing, the SDOH framework is particularly relevant because mental health is often influenced by social and economic factors. Individuals living in poverty or facing discrimination are at higher risk for mental health issues (Hussein & Abou Hashish, 2024). As a nurse, I believe it is important to treat the symptoms of mental illness and also advocate for social and policy changes that address these root causes. The integration of the SDOH framework into my nursing practice can work to improve health outcomes by addressing the broader social factors that influence patient well-being.
Middle-Range Theories Supporting Personal Philosophy
Two middle-range theories that support my personal philosophy of nursing are Kolcaba’s “Comfort Theory” and Benner’s “Novice to Expert Theory.” To begin with, Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory emphasizes the importance of providing comfort to patients in physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions (Lin et al., 2023).
This theory aligns with my belief in holistic, patient-centered care, especially in settings like hospice, where comfort is often the primary goal of care. Within the hospice care setting, I strive to lessen physical pain as well as emotional and spiritual distress by creating a peaceful environment and offering support to both patients and their families.
Benner’s “Novice to Expert Theory” describes the progression of nursing expertise from novice to expert through experience and education (Healy, 2024). This theory resonates with my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. While I advance in my nursing career, I aim to apply my growing expertise to improve patient care, mentor other nurses, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession. As I move from a competent to an expert nurse, I will be better equipped to advocate for system-level changes that improve care for vulnerable populations.
Interdisciplinary Theories Supporting Personal Philosophy
The two interdisciplinary theories that support my personal philosophy of nursing are Systems Theory and Social Learning Theory. Systems Theory, which views healthcare as a complex system of interconnected parts, is particularly relevant to my belief in interdisciplinary collaboration (Rapp & Corral-Granados, 2024). In long-term care settings, effective communication between nurses, physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals is essential for providing coordinated, patient-centered care. By applying Systems Theory, I can work to improve interdisciplinary communication and ensure that all aspects of a patient’s care are addressed.
The Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes the role of observation and imitation in learning, aligns with my approach to nursing education and mentorship. As a nurse, I believe that modeling compassionate, patient-centered care is essential for teaching others and improving practice (Rapp & Corral-Granados, 2024). I can make use of the Social Learning Theory to mentor less experienced nurses and encourage them to adopt best practices in patient care. This theory also supports my commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement in nursing practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my personal philosophy of nursing practice is rooted in the principles of compassionate, patient-centered care and is informed by both nursing and interdisciplinary theories. My philosophy intersects with the four nursing domains (person, environment, health, and nursing) and aligns with Walden University’s mission of social change and the SDOH framework. By integrating middle-range theories like Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory, as well as interdisciplinary theories like Systems Theory and Social Learning
Theory, I can deepen my understanding of nursing practice and enhance my ability to provide holistic, effective care. As I continue to develop as a DNP-prepared nurse, I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to advocate for vulnerable populations and contribute to positive social change in healthcare.
References
Berg, E., & Lepp, M. (2023). The meaning and application of student-centered learning in nursing education: An integrative review of the literature. Nurse education in practice, 69, 103622.
Healy, C. (2024). Self‐appropriation in nurse engagement: Facilitating the development of expert nurses using Benner and Lonergan. Nursing Philosophy, 25(3), e12480. https://doi.org/10.1111/nup.12480
Hussein, A. H. M., & Abou Hashish, E. A. (2023). Relationship between nurses’ ethical ideology, professional values, and clinical accountability. Nursing ethics, 30(7-8), 1171-1189. https://doi.org/10.1177/09697330231172282
Lin, Y., Zhou, Y., & Chen, C. (2023). Interventions and practices using Comfort Theory of Kolcaba to promote adults’ comfort: an evidence and gap map protocol of international effectiveness studies. Systematic reviews, 12(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02202-8
Lipscomb, M. (Ed.). (2023). Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Nursing. Taylor & Francis Group.
Rapp, A. C., & Corral-Granados, A. (2024). Understanding inclusive education–a theoretical contribution from system theory and the constructionist perspective. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 28(4), 423-439. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2021.1946725
Sandhu, S., Solomon, L., & Gottlieb, L. M. (2023). Awareness, adjustment, assistance, alignment, and advocacy: operationalizing social determinants of health topics in undergraduate medical education curricula. Academic Medicine, 98(8), 876-881. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000005223
Skov, S. S., Jensen, A. M., Rasmussen, G., Folker, A. P., & Lauridsen, S. (2024). Compassionate deception: An ethnographic study of how and why health professionals and family members lie when caring for people with dementia in Danish nursing homes. SSM-Qualitative Research in Health, 6, 100457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmqr.2024.100457
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