My Personal Nursing Philosophy

The integration of nursing theories with a philosophical perspective lays the framework for nursing practice (McCurry, Revell & Roy, 2008). My philosophy of nursing is to provide holistic care meeting the physical, social, economic, cognitive, and spiritual health of a person. This philosophy embraces the four elements of the nursing metaparadigm, which is person, environment, health, and nursing. While theorists have differing concepts and definitions of nursing, the American Nurses Association (ANA), defines it as follows; “Nursing is 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” (Nursingworld, 2013). Theories are used to guide our daily practice.

While I may use the approach of one particular theorist throughout my practice, it should be clearly stated that different theories are applicable based on the presenting case. The theory of “Culture Care Diversity and Universality” by Madeline Leininger mirrors my philosophical goal by appropriately addressing patient needs and nursing values during every patient encounter. Caring is the foundation of nursing practice, hence many theories are built on this concept (McFarland & Eipperle, 2008). Recognizing diversification and universality promotes not only physical health but considers the socioeconomic status and spiritual beliefs of the patient. According to (McCurry, Revell & Roy, 2008), we are currently faced by a world that is divided by economic status, cultural and religious beliefs. Being sensitive to these issues when caring for the patient is essential to being a culturally competent health professional.

Maintaining cultural competence in daily practice by nurses reassures patients, while dealing with a complicated healthcare system, and a society that is culturally different ((Maier-Lorentz, 2008). This can alleviate stress, which contributes to physical and emotional imbalance. Providing holistic care states Maier-Lorentz (2008), is defined as formulating a care plan that meets the individual needs of the patient. Leininger’s theory is the holistic model that supports such care and allows for advancement in transcultural nursing through research (Maier-Lorentz, 2008).

To provide such care, while remaining culturally aware, the nurse must be void of any biases and stereotypes as a result of his or her own socialization. Lowe and Archibald (2009), state that there is no formulary approach in nursing practice to adequately deal with cultural diversity, because of preconceived notions and stereotypes. This practice has to be achieved through training and acquired knowledge. Training in providing culturally competent care promotes cultural self-awareness, knowledge of other cultures as well as recognizing the impact of culture on the nurse-patient relationship (Pesquera, Yoder & Lynk, 2008).

Social justice is of paramount importance in providing ethical care and is also one of my core philosophical beliefs. Woods (2012), suggests that combining a relational-care based approach with social justice as a social ethic, should guide the nurses values and actions. The inability to provide culturally competent care contributes to the disparities that arise, especially among racial and ethnic minorities. According to Pesquera, Yoder, and Lynk, (2008), by providing culturally sensitive care, healthcare professionals are able to reduce the racial and ethnic disparities faced in diverse patient-provider settings.

Finally, while upholding my philosophy, it is understood that achieving effective patient care outcomes is a collaborative effort, incorporating research and evidence-based practices. The profession is always challenged with changing health care needs and policies. To meet these challenges, nurses should consistently prepare themselves through clinical advancement, help to formulate social policy and embrace applicable nursing models.

References

Lowe, J., & Archibald, C. (2009). Cultural diversity: the intention of nursing. Nursing Forum,

44(1), 11-18. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6198.2009.00122.x

Maier-Lorentz, M. (2008). Transcultural nursing: its importance in nursing practice. Journal Of

Cultural Diversity, 15(1), 37-43.

McCurry, M., Revell, S., & Roy, S. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the individual and

society: linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy,

11(1), 42-52. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-769X.2009.00423.x

McFarland, M., & Eipperle, M. (2008). Culture care theory: a proposed practice theory guide for

nurse practitioners in primary care settings. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal For The

Australian Nursing Profession, 28(1-2), 48-63. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5172/conu.673.28.

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Nursing World. (2013). What is nursing? Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org

/EspeciallyForYou/What-is-Nursing

Pesquera, M., Yoder, L., & Lynk, M. (2008). Improving cross-cultural
awareness and skills to

reduce health disparities in cancer. MEDSURG Nursing, 17(2), 114-121.

Woods, M. (2012). Exploring the relevance of social justice within a relational nursing ethic.

Nursing Philosophy, 13(1), 56-65. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-769X.2011.00525.x