Philosophy Of Nursing Assignment 2
My Philosophy of Nursing
Elaine Boisvert 3054401
Athabasca University
Lyndie Shih
NURS 324
July 4th 2012
My Philosophy of Nursing
Philosophy is defined as the study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge; embracing and seeking wisdom through reason and the logical presentation of ideas. This concept, I believe, is to strip an idea down to its fundamental basis or theory, analyzing cause rather than effect, then through investigation and exercise, begin to find understanding. When this concept is applied to an existing practice, all parties benefit from an equal and larger pool of knowledge. As a nurse, I see firsthand how philosophy applies to my profession.
How do we define nursing as a practice? After reviewing many journals and textbooks, I found one statement that defines nursing as I see it. Ramona T. Mercer, who is known for her Maternal Role Attainment theory, states that the three major foci for nursing are, “health promotion and prevention of illness, providing care for those who need professional assistance to achieve their optimal level of health and functioning, and research to enhance the knowledge base for providing excellent nursing care. ” (Alligood, 2009, p.586) I believe that these three applications stem from the following ideals: family values, happiness, sense of accomplishment, honesty, and responsibility. In order to succeed at these applications, there must be a balance between practice and concern.
There are three major branches of philosophy, natural philosophy, metaphysical philosophy, and moral philosophy. When speaking of nursing philosophy, it is the moral aspect that comes into play most, driving guiding and defining the practice. This paper will address the theme of the Philosophy of Nursing. I will define nursing as a whole and discuss its primary goals, discuss the aspect of nursing as an art or science, and introduce theory and how it pertains to the philosophy
Elaine Boisvert 3054401
Athabasca University
Lyndie Shih
NURS 324
July 4th 2012
My Philosophy of Nursing
Philosophy is defined as the study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge; embracing and seeking wisdom through reason and the logical presentation of ideas. This concept, I believe, is to strip an idea down to its fundamental basis or theory, analyzing cause rather than effect, then through investigation and exercise, begin to find understanding. When this concept is applied to an existing practice, all parties benefit from an equal and larger pool of knowledge. As a nurse, I see firsthand how philosophy applies to my profession.
How do we define nursing as a practice? After reviewing many journals and textbooks, I found one statement that defines nursing as I see it. Ramona T. Mercer, who is known for her Maternal Role Attainment theory, states that the three major foci for nursing are, “health promotion and prevention of illness, providing care for those who need professional assistance to achieve their optimal level of health and functioning, and research to enhance the knowledge base for providing excellent nursing care. ” (Alligood, 2009, p.586) I believe that these three applications stem from the following ideals: family values, happiness, sense of accomplishment, honesty, and responsibility. In order to succeed at these applications, there must be a balance between practice and concern.
There are three major branches of philosophy, natural philosophy, metaphysical philosophy, and moral philosophy. When speaking of nursing philosophy, it is the moral aspect that comes into play most, driving guiding and defining the practice. This paper will address the theme of the Philosophy of Nursing. I will define nursing as a whole and discuss its primary goals, discuss the aspect of nursing as an art or science, and introduce theory and how it pertains to the philosophy
References: Alligood, M. R. & Tomey, A. M. (2009). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (7th Edition). Maryland Heights, MI: Mosby Elsevier. Benner, P Burkhardt, M. A., Nathaniel, A. K., & Walton, N. A. (2010). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing (1st Canadian edition). Toronto, ON: Nelson. Darbyshire, P Johnson, J. L. (1994). A Dialectical Examination of Nursing Art. Advance in Nursing Science. 17(1), 1-14. Johnson, B Michalis, R. (2002). Nursing as an art. ICUs and Nursing Web Journal, 9. Tourville, C Zander, P. E. (2007). Ways of knowing in nursing: The historical evolution of the concept. Journal of Theory Construction and Testing, 11(1), 7-11.