Definition and Philosophy of Nursing
Definition And Philosophy Of Nursing
Introduction to Professional Nursing
NB 206 / Wanda Burns
Definition and Philosophy of Nursing As new nurses, it is important to determine your own definition and philosophy of nursing. We need these to decide who we will be as professional nurses. Our original definition will evolve over the course of our careers, as will our philosophy. As we gain experience in our particular fields, we will undoubtedly find that our perspectives are different and our feelings and goals are ever changing. The definition of nursing has changed dramatically over the years. The American Nurses Association (2011) defines nursing as, “ the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (p. 66). My definition is more basic. I believe that a nurse is someone who has the knowledge, compassion, and ability to help people be in the best health they can be. We need to be confident and competent in order to make our patients feel they are in good hands. A nurse must be able to educate a patient through the various stages of life. If a patient is in good health, we need to help them learn about things like nutrition and exercise to help them stay that way. We need to teach them health promotions such as the importance of mammograms and limiting sun exposure. As a patient grows from an infant to elderly, we need to help them understand and cope with the changes that occur and how it affects their life. When a patient is ailing, we should aid them in the return to good health through the use of critical thinking treating each patient as an individual with different needs. Our personal philosophy of nursing is what we, as individuals believe to be true about the nature of our profession. Virginia Henderson, a very famous nursing
Introduction to Professional Nursing
NB 206 / Wanda Burns
Definition and Philosophy of Nursing As new nurses, it is important to determine your own definition and philosophy of nursing. We need these to decide who we will be as professional nurses. Our original definition will evolve over the course of our careers, as will our philosophy. As we gain experience in our particular fields, we will undoubtedly find that our perspectives are different and our feelings and goals are ever changing. The definition of nursing has changed dramatically over the years. The American Nurses Association (2011) defines nursing as, “ the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (p. 66). My definition is more basic. I believe that a nurse is someone who has the knowledge, compassion, and ability to help people be in the best health they can be. We need to be confident and competent in order to make our patients feel they are in good hands. A nurse must be able to educate a patient through the various stages of life. If a patient is in good health, we need to help them learn about things like nutrition and exercise to help them stay that way. We need to teach them health promotions such as the importance of mammograms and limiting sun exposure. As a patient grows from an infant to elderly, we need to help them understand and cope with the changes that occur and how it affects their life. When a patient is ailing, we should aid them in the return to good health through the use of critical thinking treating each patient as an individual with different needs. Our personal philosophy of nursing is what we, as individuals believe to be true about the nature of our profession. Virginia Henderson, a very famous nursing
References: American Nurses Association (2010). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. Silver Spring, Md: American Nurses Association. Ang, R., & Basilio, J. (n.d.). Henderson 's Philosophy in Nursing. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://nursinghenderson2009.blogspot.com/