Nursing Philosophy

Nursing Philosophy Juliet Rodriguez Benjamin Leon School of Nursing, Miami Dade College NUR 2811C: Professional Nursing Leadership Professor Cassandra Sturrup November 20,2024 2 Introduction Nursing is more than just a career choice—it’s a privilege and a responsibility to care for others during their most vulnerable moments. It is about being a source of strength, hope, and healing. At the heart of nursing is the nursing metaparadigm, which guides how we approach patient care. The four domains—nursing, person, health, and environment—define what it truly means to be a nurse. In this paper, I will reflect on how these domains shape my nursing philosophy, rooted in empathy and advocacy. I will explore how my clinical experiences at Miami Dade College’s Benjamín León School of Nursing and Jackson Memorial Hospital reflect shared values of patient-centered care and cultural competence. Lastly, I will analyze how these experiences have solidified my understanding of nursing and guide my practice. Definition of the Four Domains The four domains of the nursing metaparadigm provide the foundation for holistic care. Nursing is the actions and responsibilities nurses take to help individuals heal and thrive. Virginia Henderson defines it as assisting individuals, sick or well, in performing activities they would do themselves if they had the strength, will, or knowledge (Alligood, 2021). This aligns with my belief that nursing is a partnership rooted in compassion and advocacy. Person refers to the unique individuals we care for, encompassing their values, beliefs, and life stories. Jean Watson describes the person as a being of mind, body, and soul, interconnected with their environment (Wills & McEwen, 2019). This perspective reminds me to treat patients as more than their diagnoses, focusing on their dreams and struggles. 3 Health is not merely the absence of illness but a dynamic state of well-being. Martha Rogers describes health as the interaction between human and environmental fields (Alligood, 2021). I see health as helping patients define and achieve their own wellness goals. Environment encompasses all factors influencing health. Florence Nightingale highlighted the importance of a clean, peaceful environment for healing (Wills & McEwen, 2019). In my clinical experiences, I’ve seen how a calm atmosphere and empathetic interactions create space for recovery. These domains, shaped by theorists, remind me that nursing is more than treating illness. It is about caring holistically and creating healing environments for patients. My Personal Definition My nursing philosophy integrates these four domains to provide compassionate, holistic care. Nursing, to me, is about being an advocate and treating patients as if they were my family. It is about balancing knowledge and empathy to meet patients where they are and help them heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Environment is more than the physical space; it is the emotional and cultural atmosphere we create. A supportive environment fosters trust and positivity. In my clinicals, small acts like listening attentively or maintaining calmness have shown me how much these moments matter. Health is a deeply personal concept. It involves physical strength, mental happiness, and emotional fulfillment. Supporting patients means not only treating their conditions but also guiding them toward a meaningful life. 4 The person is central to nursing. Every patient has their own story, values, and needs. My experiences at Jackson Memorial’s pediatric unit showed me the importance of seeing patients beyond their diagnoses. Spending time playing games with children who faced trauma reminded me that simple acts of care can bring healing. Analysis MDC’s Benjamín León School of Nursing and Jackson Memorial Hospital share a commitment to serving diverse communities through patient-centered care. MDC’s mission focuses on transforming lives through accessible, evidence-based education, while Jackson’s mission centers on delivering high-quality care to all residents of Miami-Dade County, regardless of their ability to pay (MDC, n.d.; Jackson Health System, n.d.). Both emphasize cultural competence and advocacy, which are values that have deeply influenced my practice. During my Medical-Surgical rotation at Jackson, I observed nurses working collaboratively to address complex patient needs while maintaining dignity and respect. This aligns with MDC’s values of preparing culturally competent nurses to deliver holistic care. The focus on continuous learning and professional development at both institutions inspires me to approach every patient interaction with empathy and a desire to grow. Reflection Writing this paper has deepened my understanding of myself as a future nurse. One memorable moment came during my mental health rotation at Jackson’s pediatric unit. Playing UNO with children who had experienced trauma reminded me of the power of presence and compassion. These children needed more than medical care; they needed to feel valued and safe. Similarly, my time at a nursing home taught me the importance of listening to patients’ stories. 5 One elderly patient expressed how much it meant to have someone hear her. These moments reaffirmed my belief that nursing is about building genuine connections. Through this process, I learned that my strength as a nurse lies in empathy and advocacy. Both MDC and Jackson emphasize these principles, which have shaped my philosophy. They have shown me that nursing is both an art and a science, rooted in compassion, respect, and a commitment to improving lives. This reflection has reaffirmed my belief that nursing is a privilege. My philosophy is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and holistic care. Both MDC and Jackson Memorial Hospital have inspired me to grow as a nurse who values cultural competence and patient-centered care. As I move forward, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients, providing care that heals the body, mind, and soul. 6 References Alligood, M. R. (2021). Nursing theorists and their work (10th ed.). Elsevier. Jackson Health System. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://jacksonhealth.org/about-us/ Miami Dade College. (n.d.). BSN student handbook. Retrieved from https://www.mdc.edu/nursing/docs/BSN-Student-Handbook.pdf Wills, E. M., & McEwen, M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.