My Educational Journey and Personal Philosophy of Nursing

Prior to making that final decision on a career as a nurse professional in the busy world of healthcare, there are many questions an individual must be able to answer in regards to self. First, gather your own understanding of what exactly being a nurse means and what responsibilities come with nursing, do your own research first let’s just be honest it has to be more to it than wearing scrubs, right? So, after you have gained a true understanding of what a nurse is ask yourself is nursing a fit for me. Do you believe you have what it takes to be a nurse, can you truly care for others with genuine compassion, regardless of your personal ideas, myths and beliefs as a professional? Now, that the research is done and you have done a self-evaluation on yourself and answered the above questions now ask yourself, “What impact will nursing have on my future whether it be educational, management, leadership etc.?”

Choice of Nursing

Before choosing any career, one must have a clear understanding as to why the career path they decided upon was chosen in the first place. Career paths are influenced by a combination of things including: financial gain, stability, flexibility, job security, personal and professional reasons all play an important role when choosing the right career for you. In choosing nursing, the most important factor is having compassion for others. The unselfish ability to have compassion for strangers and heal the sick regardless of race, ethnicity, age or ability to pay is a must in order to care for individuals. Wanting to help others and take care of the sick is a desire most nurses possess.

Nursing is geared towards different aspects of an individual other than just the illness at hand. It consists of addressing the illness, wellness, emotional health, educational level and mental health well-being of individuals. This is considered having a holistic way of thinking about the whole person which is needed in order to provide the best care possible. With the understanding of myself that I possess this ability to individuals in general that I encounter daily, is the reason why chose to become a nurse!

Essence of Nursing

Masters (2016) “As society and individuals change, our philosophy of nursing changes to be congruent with new and renewed understanding.” p 101. This holds truth as evident by the numerous changes by the ANA from 1980-1995, also in 2003, 2010 and again 2015. Ones belief in what exactly is the core of nursing and what it should be, consist of one’s own values beliefs, morals, truths and understandings. Having a clear and concise understanding of your perspectives will aid you in being able to have a professional, personal and caring philosophy towards the essence of nursing and its foundation.

Given my own personal experienced having worked as a CNA or 6 years, then a Licensed Vocational Nurse for 5 years to becoming a Registered Nurse for the past 6 years. I have noticed that my own beliefs of what the core of nursing should be has changed drastically because of my many years of experience in healthcare. My belief is the core of nursing is driven by the concept of caring for the whole person in other words a holistic approach I have noticed in my own practice and experiences when this happen there is always a better outcome for patients. I developed this belief when I was a CNA providing bedside care to patient is when I realized individuals needed more than just basic nursing you have to consider the needs of the person as a whole.

Beliefs and Values

In regards to the patient you must established a nurse-client relationship. The key components of this include trust, respect genuine interest in their well-being and empathy. With that being said my belief is your patient has to trust that you will take care of them as a whole with respect and care. This includes being able to identify the mental, emotional, and social needs as well as the physical needs of the body in order for proper healing to take place. It is my belief as well that the patient’s family should definitely be a part of the holistic approach in caring for the patient. Not only does it give the family a sense of purpose related to their family member, it allows them to be able to be a part of the healing process in which the patient will appreciate. It also will let the patient know that you have their best interest at heart and will make sure everyone plays a role in their healing process. Again, that goes back to nurse-client relationship.

When I think about my fellow healthcare providers the word multidiscipline comes to mind. In order to give the patient, the best outcome its best to incorporate a “team” approach in developing a plan of care for the patient. This includes a collaborative approach involving individuals possessing different levels of knowledge to treat the patient as a whole. I know that my own personal health both physical and mental plays a vital part in me being able to properly care for my patients. I can’t possibly care for others if I am not well myself. Some important key factors that I believe will help in assuring that I keep up with my own well-being includes the following: exercise, eating right, getting adequate sleep (especially on days I have to work), taking my lunch breaks at work, time management, taking advantage of time off if it is available in order to prevent burnout, not coming to work sick as that can be harmful to my patients. I understand that my overall health is a key component on how I can meet my patients needs mentally, physically and emotionally.

Vision for the Future

When I initially entered into the healthcare field at age young age, I didn’t know what it all consisted of as far as education and growth. But it didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to be a part of the growth and the changes of healthcare in a positive movement. Currently, I am enrolled in the RN-MSNFNP program. within the next year I will receive my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington. I will then immediately begin my studies for my graduate portion of the program and plan to be graduate with my Family Nurse Practitioner in 2022.

Within the next 5 years I plan to obtain my certification in Psych and work as a Psych Nurse Practitioner. That is my overall plan/goal during my educational journey. I plan on returning to work at areas in my community such as at a MHMR, addiction clinic or psychiatric ER.

Although the road seems long ahead, I am prepared for the ride. I am reminded of a saying I have heard many times before “Anything worth having is worth fighting for”. -Thomas Jefferson. With that being said in 10 years I plan to open up my own small mental health clinic or group home where I can provide care to mental health population in a small setting.

Summary

There are many strengths I possess individually that will allow me to accomplish my professional and educational journey over the next 10 years. Although, I can attribute many strengths within myself the main one is my passion for nursing and the sole desire to take care of others in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner. That alone is enough reason to carry out my plan.

With strengths there has to be limitations. I believe one must be able to recognize their own limitations in order to overcome them. “The process of obtaining a baccalaureate education after the diploma or associate degree is intellectually and emotionally stressful. Previously held values, beliefs, and one’s image as a nurse is shaken. Inevitably anxiety-provoking, this is essential to growth.: (Sullivan, 1981). This maybe one of the biggest challenges and limitations for me. The fear of going back to school, starting over and updated technology is the sole reason for me delaying my return to school in the first place. However, I realize only I can take the first steps in tackling in head on. Let's just say I have taken the first steps of getting pass this limitations that has kept me from starting and I am fully prepared to finsh my educational journey.