What's your nursing philosophy?

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 2, 2005

Annie welcome to allnurses!

I am unsure what you are looking for? Theories (and theorists) we use, follow, and practice? Or just our ethics/beliefs regarding our practices?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

below is a bit from a paper i wrote. at the time i wrote it my personal philosphy was a bit spiritual. but also it's biophyisical as well.

my personal mode of nursing is a holistic approach, taking into consideration a client's physical, emotional and spiritual needs. the bedrock of my personal nursing philosophy is my steadfast belief that we are all god's children and precious in god's eyes. thus, we are all equal regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, or lifestyle preferences. i look upon each of my patients as a child of god, worthy of my absolute best regardless of any of the above mentioned stations in life, and regardless of the circumstances that finds them in my care. i am called to nursing to care for patients without judgment, leaving that to god. this is important because of the patient population i care for are frequently challenged with alcoholism, drug addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and psychiatric problems. many of the clients i care for have been in accidents that involve them drinking and driving, or having been assaulted while involved in drug deals, and many are infamous criminals involved in murders or other crimes. they are put in my care for me to help them recover from their trauma or illness without my judgment. i always try to remember the old saying "but for the grace of god, go i". also, many clients' religious and cultural traditions about life and health are different than my own. i strive to respect other's beliefs and incorporate them in the plan of care when possible. my mode of nursing is based on my own personal beliefs and values, but is also dynamic as i learn more about other modes of nursing.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

Sorry, but I belong to the John Wayne society of nursing, "git er done".

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

Sorry, but I belong to the John Wayne society of nursing, "git er done".

Love it!

To me though nursing is a bit more than just getting tasks done. I've been challenged to think about it and have come to realize that for me this is true. I'm not about to come up with a "theory" or "philosophy", but how I approach the tasks and the human beings I'm performing the tasks is a bit more involved than I ever thought, if I take the time to think about it. For what it's worth.

No more than marriage is moving in with someone and living in the same house and having sex, nursing to me is a bit more complicated the longer I'm in it.

Brotherbob, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

For me it is not that complicated. I found out that to help people is rewarding. It makes them feel better and makes me feel good too.

Laurlaur · Aug 2, 2005

take as many sick days as possible so you never have to be with your patients!!!hahahah!! No no no not really......I think half the battle is letting your patients/families/co-workers/docs know that you're listening and care about what they have to say...makes life a lot easier

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

My answer was not meant to be disrespectful to the theories of nursing. I jsut hate to go onto a unit where many of the nurses think they are "too educated" to do what needs to be done for the patients well being. If that means a dressing change, looking up labs and calling the doctor for new orders, holding the patients hand, or doing many, many other things too small to name, then "git r done", is what I work by. I want to feel good after I put in a shift and I want the patient to know I did my best for them.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

I know you care about the job and the patients. You know what I was referring to, those too pretty to move nurses, or the ones who have so much personal business to take care of the patients are the last thing on their minds.

Patients come to us with a whole set of issues, not just illness, we have to do what it takes to get the job done and get them home. If that is not possible then we need to get them the support they will need to finish their business.

I guess I am too grounded in my practice mode to change, not a pretty thought but truthful.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

I know you care about the job and the patients. You know what I was referring to, those too pretty to move nurses, or the ones who have so much personal business to take care of the patients are the last thing on their minds.
Patients come to us with a whole set of issues, not just illness, we have to do what it takes to get the job done and get them home. If that is not possible then we need to get them the support they will need to finish their business.
I guess I am too grounded in my practice mode to change, not a pretty thought but truthful.

Barefoot, I understand what you're saying. The question isn't asking you to buy into any theory or change. Just how do you operate, i.e. what's your philoposphy? You have one whether your realize it or not. We all do.

You're above post speaks volumes of your personal philosphy whether you know it or not. First of all, I can sense it's grounded in a strong work ethic and patient (rather than self) focused.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

Thank you Tweety, you say the nicest things. I hope you are having a great day.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Aug 3, 2005

I don't really consider myself as a nurse per se, but...

I believe it's important to treat the patient the way I would want to be treated if I were in their situation. I think it's important to keep a good repoir with them, and make yourself available to them both physically and emotionally. Just "checking in" with them by doing stuff like asking how their day is makes a lot of difference, in my opinion. Show that you genuinely care.