There are two formal definitions that I have used to formulate my own personal philosophy of nursing. Nursing has been defined by the American Nurses Association as 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. While, the International council of nursing states that Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles.
It is my belief that nursing is being able to provide holistic care to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, culture, religion. It entails treating each person as a unique individual, with unique needs, who demands dignity and respect, and should be treated accordingly. Nursing is promoting health in oneself, family, friends and the community, providing help to those in need whether physically, emotionally or spiritually, advocating for the patient’s wishes and best interests, planting seeds of hope where there is none and providing compassion in times of despair. I also strongly believe that nurses should assiduously strive for higher levels of education, participate in research and help to shape healthcare policies in an effort to continue to advance the profession of nursing as a whole.
It is my belief that nursing is being able to provide holistic care to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, culture, religion. It entails treating each person as a unique individual, with unique needs, who demands dignity and respect, and should be treated accordingly. Nursing is promoting health in oneself, family, friends and the community, providing help to those in need whether physically, emotionally or spiritually, advocating for the patient’s wishes and best interests, planting seeds of hope where there is none and providing compassion in times of despair. I also strongly believe that nurses should assiduously strive for higher levels of education, participate in research and help to shape healthcare policies in an effort to continue to advance the profession of nursing as a whole.