Philosophy of nursing
Philosophy of Nursing
NURS 210
Transition to Pro Nursing
Jillian Edwards DNc, MN, ARNP
November 25, 2013
Introduction
Around the world, nursing has many definitions. From place to place, the role of a nurse may change a thousand times. However, I believe, we do have one thing in common. The desire to care for our patients and treat them as a whole individual the way we would want to be treated if we were in the same position. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was young, but have never stopped to think about what really drives this calling to serve other people in need. In this paper, I will define health and illness and what it means to me. I will then state my personal philosophy of nursing and what concepts are most important. Finally my philosophy will be compared to a nursing theorist as to how they are similar and alike.
Health and Illness Defined
There are many ways to define health and illness. Some think it can be as simple as not being physically sick or without injuries or any impairment. I think it has a much deeper meaning. According to the WHO (1948), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely absence of disease or illness (para 1). I agree that mental and social wellbeing play a very important role in order for someone to be healthy. On the opposite spectrum, illness or disease can be something very devastating to an individual. Disease is defined as "A clinical judgment about the patient's response to actual or potential health conditions or needs" (American Nurses Association, 2004, pg 47). Nurses play an important role in aiding our patients from illness and or disease to obtaining optimal health. This can be done in many ways that are unique to the nurse and often play an import role as to why the nurse acts or behaves the way they do.
Philosophy Statement
Having to write your philosophy about something as general as nursing, is no easy feat. After much
NURS 210
Transition to Pro Nursing
Jillian Edwards DNc, MN, ARNP
November 25, 2013
Introduction
Around the world, nursing has many definitions. From place to place, the role of a nurse may change a thousand times. However, I believe, we do have one thing in common. The desire to care for our patients and treat them as a whole individual the way we would want to be treated if we were in the same position. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was young, but have never stopped to think about what really drives this calling to serve other people in need. In this paper, I will define health and illness and what it means to me. I will then state my personal philosophy of nursing and what concepts are most important. Finally my philosophy will be compared to a nursing theorist as to how they are similar and alike.
Health and Illness Defined
There are many ways to define health and illness. Some think it can be as simple as not being physically sick or without injuries or any impairment. I think it has a much deeper meaning. According to the WHO (1948), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely absence of disease or illness (para 1). I agree that mental and social wellbeing play a very important role in order for someone to be healthy. On the opposite spectrum, illness or disease can be something very devastating to an individual. Disease is defined as "A clinical judgment about the patient's response to actual or potential health conditions or needs" (American Nurses Association, 2004, pg 47). Nurses play an important role in aiding our patients from illness and or disease to obtaining optimal health. This can be done in many ways that are unique to the nurse and often play an import role as to why the nurse acts or behaves the way they do.
Philosophy Statement
Having to write your philosophy about something as general as nursing, is no easy feat. After much