personal nursing philosophy

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2006

My nursing license became active on January 20 of this year, so I do not have a nursing philosophy as of yet.

However, I do have a few principles that shall guide the care I provide once I start working. One is to place the patient's needs above my own. Another is to realize that I cannot be all things to all people; thus, I cannot satisfy every person I meet.

GeminiInLove · Jan 24, 2006

yes that is very true, we can always only be the best we can be

1Tulip · Jan 24, 2006

Should your professional philosophy be any different than your every-day-walking around philosophy? Integrity and humility. If I can get those in balance, I'll be a good person and a great nurse.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jan 24, 2006

"One is to place the patient's needs above my own. "

Depends on what 'needs' we are talking about here, and that is a good thing to think about on a very personal level! I seldom put the needs of my patients above my own (we are talking about if I neglected myself taking care of a patient...shouldn't do that...but I put their needs up top as long as I don't do anything to neglect my ability to help), or I will become useless to them. I have to take care of myself, be in good standards with my own body/mind/spirit or I will be of no use to someone that needs my help, guidance, and trust! Think about this one personally...I mean it is like the old saying, You can't do for others what you can't do for yourself. (I am not knocking that phrase, just one of those deep thought issues that philosophy is all about!?).

"To assist patients to achieve their potenital in mind, body and spirit to the best of my abilites at ALL times, and to assure the dignity and confidentiality of all patients no matter their condition or circumstances" is my philosophy!

Note that it hits on the person as a whole, and the issues of dignity and right to confidentiality as well, which I find is a serious part of trust and humanity! Also note I said "to the best of my abilities" because I can not do more than that ever, and know that I am human and can make mistakes...(I just try to achieve NOT making mistakes). I set my own personal goals within reach with my own philosophy!

Everyones philosophy differs because it is an individual's oath dependant on their own individual goals in life! That is what is great about it! I am a big believer in the mind/body/spirit being the way to a larger healthier potential...and I feel dignity and confidentialty are not so much rights as they are a given that should be respected in ALL people!