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Philosophy of Nursing
My philosophy of nursing is centered on the needs of the patients; both physical and emotional. Patient’s needs are not just limited to their primary illness; but their needs include the whole person and their family. A nurse must have the ability to adapt to each patient’s situation and realize that although the core values of the care provided is theoretically the same; each patient requires an individualized plan of care. In my practice, I try to develop a good relationship with each of my patients. In the operating room instilling a level of comfort that encourages them to voice their concerns about their care, upcoming procedure, and possible outcomes is vital to the patient’s wellbeing. Florence Nightingale’s theory involving the environment of care is the primary focus of my day to day nursing; however, Hildegard Peplau’s theory of the many roles a nurse must play when caring for a patient is paramount if I am to provide the best possible care to the surgical patient (Blais & Hayes, 2011).
Healthcare and nursing were foreign to me when I entered nursing school. I was sure of two things when I started the program. Feeling a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day was very important and I loved caring for others. As I continued my journey through nursing school and into the workforce I developed my own philosophy about nursing. In the operating room the controlled environment and the technical aspects of patient care are very important. If any one area is compromised, the outcome for the surgical patient could be poor. Florence
Nightingale believed the environment of care affected the patient’s wellbeing and if one aspect was missing poor health or illness would occur (Blais & Hayes, 2011).
Florence Nightingale defined nursing a hundred years ago as “utilizing the environment of a patient to assist in recovery” (Blais & Hayes, 2011, p. 100). Nightingale
References: Benedict, E. (2012). The Constant Flame... from the archives, three articles that explore the life and legend of Florence Nightingale. Canadian Nurse, 108(5), 18-20. Hayes, K. K., & Blias, J.S. (2011). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives (6th ed.). In K. K. Hayes, Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Forchuk, C., & Dorsay, J. (1995). Hildegard Peplau meets family systems nursing: innovation in theory-based practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 21(1), 110-115. doi:10.1046/j.13652648.1995.21010110.x McCance, K. L., Huether, S. E., Brasher, V. L., & Rote, N. S. (2010). Proteins. In H. S. McCance Kathryn, Pathophysiology: the Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children, 6th ed. (p. 12). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.