The nursing philosophy encompasses the beliefs, values, and principles that guide nursing practice. It is influenced by various factors, including individual nurses’ self-concept, personal values, and ethical principles. Here are some ways in which these factors might contribute to the development of a nurse’s philosophy:

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How did your self-concept, values, and ethical principles contribute to developing this philosophy?
- Self-concept: A nurse’s self-concept, which includes self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-confidence, plays a crucial role in their nursing philosophy. Nurses who have a positive self-concept are more likely to view their role as one of caring, compassion, and advocacy. They may prioritize the holistic well-being of their patients and strive to establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship based on trust and respect.
- Values: Personal values influence nurses’ philosophy by shaping their priorities and guiding their decision-making. Values such as empathy, integrity, autonomy, and social justice often play a significant role in nursing. These values may lead nurses to advocate for patients’ rights, promote ethical care, and address health disparities. Aligning personal values with the nursing profession’s values contributes to developing a nurse’s philosophy.
- Ethical principles: Nursing ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making in patient care. Ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice inform a nurse’s actions and choices. Nurses strive to provide safe, compassionate, patient-centered care by incorporating these principles into their philosophy. Ethical principles also guide nurses in navigating complex situations, respecting patient autonomy, and upholding confidentiality and privacy.
It is important to note that each nurse’s nursing philosophy is unique and influenced by their experiences and perspectives. As they progress in their career, nurses continuously refine and expand their philosophy through ongoing education, professional development, and exposure to diverse patient populations.