Philosophy of Science in Nursing
Philosophy of Nursing
Walden University
Application Assignment 1: Philosophy of Nursing
Nursing philosophy is a professional belief system that provides guidelines for practice, learning, and inquiry (Gortner, 1990). Several factors and influences in life help foster development of one’s own personal belief system. This belief system then guides his or her actions in professional practice. Over the years, certain key elements have directly and indirectly contributed to my personal philosophy of nursing practice; observations of successes and failures, written literature that provide insight into authors’ past experiences, and social/cultural/family values.
Personally, successes and failures are relative and subjective; relative because its definition can change as my attitudes and beliefs change throughout time and subjective because its definition is based on my values and principles. When I observe and reflect on the failures of myself or others, I am prompted to change current practice with the purpose of improving the outcome. Conversely, when I evaluate the successes of others, I find it rewarding to emulate those I admire such as a mentor in my profession.
Contributions from authors in all areas of life have written about their observations and discoveries. Written literature provides insight and inspiration about circumstances that can change my life, my relationships, my health, and my career for the better. One particular author I was fortunate to meet and talk with helped change certain perspectives about my career in two hours!
Lastly, social, cultural, and family values, particularly from my mother (who was also a nurse), played the most influential component in developing my sense of being and who I am today. From my mother, I learned to progress. Progression in anything or for something meant I would have contributed to society and left a dent in this universe. My mother had a caring, holistic, and
Walden University
Application Assignment 1: Philosophy of Nursing
Nursing philosophy is a professional belief system that provides guidelines for practice, learning, and inquiry (Gortner, 1990). Several factors and influences in life help foster development of one’s own personal belief system. This belief system then guides his or her actions in professional practice. Over the years, certain key elements have directly and indirectly contributed to my personal philosophy of nursing practice; observations of successes and failures, written literature that provide insight into authors’ past experiences, and social/cultural/family values.
Personally, successes and failures are relative and subjective; relative because its definition can change as my attitudes and beliefs change throughout time and subjective because its definition is based on my values and principles. When I observe and reflect on the failures of myself or others, I am prompted to change current practice with the purpose of improving the outcome. Conversely, when I evaluate the successes of others, I find it rewarding to emulate those I admire such as a mentor in my profession.
Contributions from authors in all areas of life have written about their observations and discoveries. Written literature provides insight and inspiration about circumstances that can change my life, my relationships, my health, and my career for the better. One particular author I was fortunate to meet and talk with helped change certain perspectives about my career in two hours!
Lastly, social, cultural, and family values, particularly from my mother (who was also a nurse), played the most influential component in developing my sense of being and who I am today. From my mother, I learned to progress. Progression in anything or for something meant I would have contributed to society and left a dent in this universe. My mother had a caring, holistic, and
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