What is a Personal Nursing Philosophy?

As a practicing nurse, you no doubt have beliefs and opinions about what nursing means to you. A philosophy of nursing formalizes the beliefs and theories that have shaped your career to date.  A written philosophy statement is typically requested for positions in academia as well. A philosophy of nursing outlines values, ethics, and beliefs, and the rationale for becoming and remaining a part of the profession. The philosophy must cover the nurse's perspective on practice, patient care, ethics, and education. The philosophy must be linked to a Nursing Theorist with whom you can relate. Now that you've nearly completed your BSN, it is important to reflect on how your philosophy may have evolved as well.

For this assignment, you will complete a 3–4 page (excluding title and references) APA formatted assignment with the following criteria:

Section 1 (10 points) – (Introduction) Why did you choose nursing rather than another profession?

Section 2 – (10 points) (Your role)

• How do you view your role as a patient advocate?
• How do you view your role as an educator (patients, staff, family members, etc.)?
• How do you view your role as a leader (place of employment, local, state, federal, worldwide)? 

Section 3 – (10 points) (Theory) Who is the nursing theorist with whom you most closely identify with and why?  Be sure to include at least a paragraph about the theorist's background and primary tenets.

Section 4 – (20 points) (Changes from the start of the BSN to now)

What has changed about your philosophy from the outset of the program to now?

• Consider adding a story from your life that touches on your passion for the profession.
• Write about the "big picture" you have for yourself and the world around you.
• Tell the reader about the skills you've gained in the BSN program that you feel will be most valuable upon graduation.