Introduction
Nurses are seen as caregivers. However, there is more to nursing than being a caregiver. This is not an attempt to glamorize the role of nurses. The need to change the perception of nursing is not the work of nurses, but rather the consequence of society’s growing expectations regarding the role of nursing practitioners. As a result, nurses are educated and authorized to function in collaboration with other health workers in an advanced and clinical role (Peterson, 2009). Nursing practitioners are not only caregivers, they are also expected to make necessary assessments and management of clients using nursing knowledge and skills (Masters, 2014). In some cases, nurses are expected to prescribe medication and order diagnostic investigations (Drummond, 2007). More often than not, nurses are expected to understand and implement flexible health care delivery systems. Based on these expectations, the nursing practitioner must develop a nursing philosophy with the following components: knowledge, clinical advocacy, compassion, and ethical standards.
The Four Meta paradigms
The nursing philosophy must be created with the four meta-paradigms in mind. The first aspect focuses on the patient as a person. Thus, it is easier to become a caregiver. It is also easier to show compassion because the recipient is not perceived as an object. In this point of view, the patient is seen as a person.
The second aspect focuses on the meaning of health. Nursing practitioners understand that there are different interpretations of health. As a result, the nurse does not only focus on treating the symptoms but also the overall well-being of the patient.
The third aspect focuses on the importance of the environment when it comes to the attainment of a speedy recovery for the sick patient. Thus, nursing practitioners are not only mindful of the medical aspect of treatment. They also consider the importance of other factors that impact the recovery process. Nurses must learn the capability to become sensitive when it comes to the social and cultural dimensions of the recovery process.
The fourth aspect focuses on the science and art of nursing. Nursing is a science because nursing practitioners deal with medical equipment and medical care. However, nursing is also an art because nursing practitioners are expected to demonstrate skills that were acquired beyond classroom walls. Nurses are expected to reach out to the patients as if they are part of the family. At the same time, nurses are expected to keep their distance due to confidentiality concerns.
My Nursing Philosophy
My nursing philosophy is founded on accurate and relevant knowledge. I believe that compassion and sensitivity are two of the most important things when it comes to becoming the best caregiver that I can possibly become. However, the failure to acquire appropriate knowledge and skills will endanger the lives of the patients. Thus, it is imperative to acquire information and develop the skills in order to provide quality health care.
The desire for knowledge is tempered by the realization that nurses are expected to connect with the patients. A mind focused only on knowledge acquisition becomes a liability later on. It creates a limitation that forces the nursing practitioner to focus only on the medical aspect of the health care delivery process. The best nurses in the world understand that family, traditions, culture, and other components of the patient’s personal background play an important part in the recovery process as well.
My nursing philosophy also includes strict adherence to ethical standards. Nursing practitioners must be practical when it comes to interacting with patients. It is important to show compassion. However, medical malpractice is a significant issue in the Western world. Thus, it is imperative to fully understand the importance of ethical standards, such as the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strength and Limitation of the Philosophy
The strength of the philosophy is the development of a comprehensive approach to improving the health care delivery process in the context of the nursing practice. My nursing philosophy is considered the four meta-paradigms of nursing. At the same time, I gave a great deal of importance to the acquisition of technical knowledge. Nursing practitioners must be updated with regard to current trends and advancements in technology.
It is important to acknowledge that my nursing philosophy has its flaws. One of the limitations is the struggle to integrate clinical advocacy. I personally believe in developing collaborative strategies to help the community. However, at this point in my career, it is difficult to conceptualize a framework that will create a powerful impact on the community that I want to serve.
Conclusion
A nursing philosophy is like a moral compass. It is a framework that guides nursing practitioners on how to react in any given situation. It is also a constant reminder that there is a need for continuous improvement. My nursing philosophy inspires me to develop a comprehensive approach when it comes to the health care delivery process. I am satisfied with the basic framework of my nursing philosophy. However, I need to enhance it in order t integrate the importance of clinical advocacy. I believe that health workers must work with the community and other stakeholders, in order to develop a better health care delivery system for all.
References
Drummond, J. (2007). The philosophy of nurse education. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Masters, K. (2014). Role development in professional nursing practice. MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Peterson, S. (2009). Middle range theories: Applications to nursing research. PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.