Four Categories Of Philosophy Of Health

In the CSUSM College of Education, Health and Human Services School of Nursing handbook, the School of Nursing Philosophy breaks down into four categories: Person, Environment, Health, and Nursing. The category Philosophy of Person states that our focus is on the receiver of care whether it is an individual or aggregate, such as a family or a community (p. 5). The category of Philosophy of Environment says that a person or aggregate is unique and complete with distinct characteristics that are influenced by their environment, circumstances, and health decisions (p. 5). The category Philosophy of Health says that they are entitled to make their own health decisions or, in the case of debilitation, have an executor make those decisions for them
(p. 6). The category Philosophy of Nursing states that we create diagnoses and health plans within our scope of practice and collaborate with the patient or aggregate on interventions (p. 6). My personal nursing philosophy aligns with this. We work with the whole person or aggregate, not just a collection of symptoms. This needs to include whatever environment or circumstances in which they may be. As nurses, we are advocates for our patients. Because of this role, we are obligated to assist them to make informed decisions. For us to best help our patients, we use critical thinking and the nursing process to solve these issues. We assess and create a nursing diagnosis, make a plan with the patient, create interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of this plan.