Personal Philosophy of Nursing Help
Instructions:
Assignment Guidelines
Personal Philosophy of Nursing
The purpose of this assignment is for students to develop a personal philosophy of nursing. Using the Jacksonville University School of Nursing CJUSON) philosophy as a framework, students will analyze their own thoughts on nursing. Various nursing theories should also be incorporated into the student’s personal philosophy of nursing. The expectation is that the student will identify key concepts that guide their practice and identify at least one nursing theory that will serve as a framework for their own philosophy. Sources outside the textbook and JUSON should be included in this paper. The paper should be three pages (excluding the title page and reference page), double-spaced, 12 point font, l-inch margins and follow APA guidelines for grammar, format, and citations.
Grading Rubric
Actual Points and Comments
- Consideration of JUSON philosophy evident 20
- Key concepts/guiding principles identified with application to the student’s own practice 30
- At least one nursing theory identified and incorporated into the student’s philosophy 30
- Multiple resources (text, journals, etc.) used to develop philosophy At least three sources must be used for full credit 10
- Correct APA guidelines followed 10
- Grammar and Writing Style 10
Philosophy:
Jacksonville University School of Nursing faculty values the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students and emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts foundation, engaged learning, scholarly inquiry, clinical excellence, and the socialization of students into the caring practice of professional nursing.
The faculty believes that baccalaureate nursing education is the entry level into professional practice and that graduate education is necessary for advanced nursing practice. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares professional nurses as self-assured, competent generalists who think critically, engage in clinical inquiry, communicate effectively, and assess and manage the health needs of clients in a variety of settings.
The Graduate programs prepare professional nurses to assume leadership roles in a global society, think critically, communicate effectively, and practice in advanced roles. Graduates evaluate health issues of clients, institutions, and communities, and develop collaborative, innovative strategies that effect change and promote evidence-based practice. Graduates promote health, advance nursing knowledge, impact health policy, and commit to lifelong learning.
The philosophy of the School of Nursing is illustrated by a four-point star. The star represents the essential components of the nursing program. Caring and engaged learning emanate from the center of the star and support students’ development of competence in scholarly inquiry, clinical excellence, leadership and health and education technology.
Caring is an inherent characteristic of nursing and is demonstrated through compassionate concern to protect and enhance human dignity. Caring is present in all aspects of nursing and encompasses being fully present to meet the holistic needs of the individual person, family, and community. Faculty believes that caring is cultivated and refined through education and enacted through values and behaviors. Faculty encourages students to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives through continued self- examination and fosters supportive and nurturing relationships with nursing students serving as mentors and role models in the classroom and clinical areas.
Faculty believes that engaged learning is an essential strategy to gain knowledge that leads to excellence in nursing practice. Elements of engaged learning include [creative inquiry, a community of interdisciplinary scholars, diverse thinking, questioning, and critical application of concepts to experiential learning], such as clinical practice, internships, externships, and community service. Faculty facilitates engaged learning by serving as role models of lifelong learning, establishing practice partnerships for learning experiences, and fostering a learning environment of mutual respect. Engaged learning and caring influence all aspects of professional nursing and is demonstrated by excellence in scholarly inquiry, clinical excellence, leadership, and health and education technology.
Faculty believes scholarly inquiry in nursing is the continual search for knowledge and application of knowledge to professional practice. Faculty fosters an appreciation for scholarly inquiry important to evidence-based practice and the advancement of professional nursing and encourages students to engage in research and scholarly activities. Faculty believes that graduates value the importance of lifelong learning and will contribute to the body of nursing knowledge.
Faculty believes clinical excellence is demonstrated by the transfer of knowledge from theoretical courses to professional practice and is exemplified by the stellar reputation of the rigorous nursing programs at Jacksonville University. Clinical excellence encompasses professionalism, effective communication and interpersonal skills, diagnostic acumen, skillful negotiation of the health care system, a scholarly and caring approach to clinical practice, and passion for the profession of nursing. Students develop clinical excellence through comprehensive learning opportunities provided by practice partnerships with various health care organizations.
Leadership is an essential quality in professional nursing. Nurses serve as formal and informal leaders in the workplace and the community as patient advocates, change agents, conflict mediators, and political activists. The faculty believes that leadership can be taught and is developed through classroom and clinical activities, role modeling and mentoring others, and involvement in professional activities and organizations.
Faculty believes that technology is vital in academic teaching and professional practice. Faculty pursues technological initiatives for innovative and creative teaching and facilitates teaching and learning through online, web-based, and simulation technologies. Faculty expects students to be adept in the use of current and emerging technologies in an evolving, complex health care environment.
The curricular progression fosters professional socialization for future nursing roles and responsibilities within the global community. As students learn and mature in nursing knowledge and ability, they practice as professional nurses, provide leadership to promote and improve health, lead and manage collaborative efforts to and promote the advancement of nursing through life-long learning
Solution
Personal Philosophy of Nursing Help
Nursing has undergone rapid changes over the years. Despite these innumerable changes, philosophy of nursing has been developing at a snail pace. However, scholars and the faculty in nursing institutions have been at the forefront to broaden its context, with Jacksonville University School of Nursing JUSON not left behind. The term philosophy of nursing is a detailed approach usually created by nurses in their field of practice. Philosophy guides a nurse and helps what she believes in and her pivotal role in the health sector. This also influences how she interacts with other patients. Additionally, this philosophy addresses how a nurse interacts with patients.
In the past, scholars went far and wide to articulate this discipline. This served as a clear explanation why there are various theories and concepts borrowed from other disciplines other than nursing. One good example is the stress model also referred as General Adaptation Syndrome. It was created by Hans Selye. The model served to offer clarification on how stress affects the human body (Edgecombe, Bowden, & SpringerLink 2014). Her unique outlook on stress provided interesting findings, which have led the nursing fraternity to cite them as a scientific base for nursing theory, research, and practice. The body reactions caused by stressors were categorized into three stages namely fight-flight reaction, resistance and lastly exhaustion.
An emphasis on the ethics and practice of nursing has seen the inclusion of philosophy in nursing. The faculty and the founding fathers of this institution brainstormed and brought to table a comprehensive philosophy that has guided the nursing family. It is without any doubt that JUSON’s philosophy is a guiding light to these feet that seek to drink from its fountain of knowledge. Nursing is not based on empirical data, but it transcends on the various physical dimensions. This is outlined in the opening statement of the school’s philosophy. The faculty emphasizes on a stable and concrete foundation on the liberal arts, social relationships, and professionalism. By so doing, it is clear that nursing is an art. Various threads and fabric are used to knead and weave to bring out a whole fabric of excellence (Dossey, Keegan, & Barrere, 2016).
Interaction with various students as well as the teaching faculty brought to light that everyone has a dynamic professional nursing philosophy. Years spent in this institution has also seen the evolving of personal philosophies depending on the various skills acquired on each level. Nursing requires extensive knowledge, both evidence based and theoretical. The institution appreciates that the baccalaureate level is the entry point towards professionalism. Since nurses are always held accountable for every decision they take, there is need to ensure that they are well equipped and informed (Snowden, Donnell, & Duffy, 2014). The faculty considers learning through engaging beneficial in that one acquires extensive knowledge. This knowledge is not limited to books but open to other avenues such as community work, critical and creative thinking and questioning. Decision-making is essential in nursing. The various education levels and expertise gathered gives the students opportunities to practice their decision-making skills.
Articulation of nursing practice serves as a compass towards the development of nursing philosophy (Dossey, Keegan, & Barrere, 2016). Apt practice ensures that this philosophy comes to life and relevant in everyday life. The world is not a mere object of the imagination but rather what is experienced while living it.
Theories are interrelated concepts comprising of models, assumptions, and propositions; that give as well as explain a predictive nature. It seeks to explain and predict the phenomenon of nursing. The four common and central concepts that cut across all theories include the environment, the patient, health and nursing (roles, functions, and goals). Of all the concepts, the person (patient) is the most important, and it serves as a point of focus in all the theories. Development of philosophy has opened various channels in understanding and appreciating the various theories. As stated above, the person is the most important. Other than appreciating others, self-care is also important. Theorist Dorothea E. Orem well explains this in her self-care theory. She quips that self-care behavior is essential towards fostering good health (Smith, & Parker, 2015). Through the various aspects of physical, social and psychological, everyone should be able to take care of their health dependently. This also calls caring for others which are also expressed in the institution’s philosophy. The act of passing information to patients and educating them is appreciated as clinical excellence by the faculty.
Nurses have the core responsibility to provide holistic care to patients. With such mind set, everything done in the field forces one to approach patients as individuals who require care and attention. As engraved in the institution’s philosophy, one is also required to learn extensively and acquire knowledge without ceasing. This allows one to evolve professionally. Some of the virtues that are significant in this practice include commitment, empathy, honesty, and kindness. ‘Why choose to nurse?’ This is a question that always keeps throbbing in the minds of people who see nurses work tirelessly. Personal philosophy is the answer. A good philosophy ensures one remains focused despite the harsh environment.
The philosophy of nursing is articulated in JUSON’s philosophy. Identification and embracing of this philosophy have been vital towards the development of the nursing profession within this institution. This has also served as a framework for the students who enroll in this program. It is without any doubt that every student who passes through the hands of this faculty is sharpened and prepared adequately towards becoming an outstanding nurse.
References
Dossey, B. M., Keegan, L., & Barrere, C. (2016). Holistic nursing: A handbook for practice. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning
Edgecombe, K., Bowden, M., & SpringerLink (Online service). (2014). Clinical Learning and Teaching Innovations in Nursing: Dedicated Education Units Building a Better Future. (Springer eBooks.) Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.
Fealy, G. M., & McNamara, M. S. (January 01, 2015). Transitions and tensions: the discipline of nursing in an interdisciplinary context. Journal of Nursing Management, 23, 1, 1-3.
Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing theories & nursing practice. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company Snowden, A., Donnell, A., & Duffy, T. (2014). Pioneering theories in nursing. London: Andrews UK.