5 Tips to Write a Personal Philosophy of Nursing

You’ve studied nursing theories in school, but what’s your vision of patient care? A personal philosophy of nursing outlines the core values, beliefs, and principles that guide your practice and decision-making. You can think of it as your personal mission statement, helping you to stay grounded in what matters most as you navigate the challenges of healthcare.

Writing your personal philosophy can be challenging — it requires deep introspection, knowledge of care standards, and ethical principles. In this article, we’ll share practical tips to help you write a meaningful essay that captures your unique approach to nursing. We’ll also share a personal philosophy of nursing example to spark your creativity.

What Is a Personal Philosophy of Nursing?

Like a motivational letter that you might write when applying to nursing school, a personal philosophy of nursing paper is a dynamic and evolving document that serves as a foundation for your nursing practice. It highlights your core values, guiding how you handle day-to-day tasks, handle ethical challenges, and interact with patients, families, and colleagues.

What are the key components of a nursing philosophy? Here are some essential elements you may want to cover:

So, when might a nurse find it necessary to write a personal philosophy of nursing essay? Here are a few examples:

• Nursing school: You may write a personal philosophy as part of your coursework to build self-awareness and clarify your professional values.
• Advanced education programs: You might need to submit this essay when applying for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program.
• Job applications: You may be asked to demonstrate how your values align with the healthcare facility when applying for nursing positions.
• Nursing interviews: You’ll find this resource helpful during interviews to discuss your approach to patient care and ethics.
• Ethical dilemmas: You’ll be able to refer to your personal philosophy when facing complex situations where decision-making doesn’t seem so simple.
• Transitioning to leadership roles: You’ll be able to define the impact you want to create in your healthcare organization as you move into management or supervisory positions.
• Professional development: You’ll benefit from revisiting your personal philosophy and refining it based on new experiences, having tangible evidence of how much you’ve grown and evolved.

How to Write a Personal Philosophy of Nursing: 5 Tips

Let’s dive into the key steps of how to write a nursing philosophy that embodies your professionalism, dedication to healthcare, and personal integrity.

1. Strong Introduction

Start by briefly introducing the purpose of the essay, and explaining the importance of nursing philosophy. A clear nursing philosophy serves as a compass, helping you stay true to your values, ensure consistency in delivering high-quality care, and align your day-to-day actions with your long-term goals.

Example:

Nursing is not just a profession; it is also a calling that requires compassion, dedication, and a profound commitment to the well-being of others. In a constantly evolving healthcare landscape, having a clear philosophy allows me to navigate ethical dilemmas, foster strong patient relationships, and advocate for the needs of those in my care. It serves as the foundation of my practice, driving me to work with integrity and create a positive impact on my patients and the medical community as a whole.

2. Define Nursing

The next step is to define what nursing means to you. This is where you dive deeper into your personal beliefs about nursing, exploring the core aspects that make the profession unique and meaningful to you.

To deepen this reflection, consider the nursing metaparadigm, which consists of four key elements:

• Person: The recipient of care, seen as a whole being with unique needs and experiences.
• Environment: The external and internal factors that influence the person’s health and well-being.
• Health: A dynamic state of well-being, which is more than just the absence of illness.
• Nursing: The actions taken by the nurse to support patients in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Example:

Nursing is the art and science of caring for individuals with compassion, guided by evidence-based practices. I view my patients as unique beings requiring holistic care, each having distinct needs and beliefs. My role as a nurse is to use my clinical knowledge and soft skills to help my patients achieve maximum levels of wellness. I do this through advocacy, education, and connecting them to the right resources. Just as hitting rock bottom can spark a new beginning, illness can be an opportunity to create a healthier life. I strive to support my patients during these vulnerable moments to help them rise stronger.

3. Relevant Nursing Theories

Incorporating relevant nursing theories into your personal philosophy of nursing can provide a theoretical framework that supports your beliefs and practices. Discuss famous nursing philosophiesthat resonate with you and how they influence your approach to nursing.

New to nursing theories? Here are a few you might find helpful:

• Florence Nightingale Nursing Theory
• Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory
• Madeleine Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory
• Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Theory
• Betty Neuman’s Nursing Theory
• Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring
• Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory
• Jean Watson’s Nursing Theory

Example:

Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory has significantly shaped my nursing philosophy by emphasizing the importance of patients taking an active role in their own health and well-being. By incorporating this theory into my practice, I strive to create an environment where patients feel empowered and capable. This encourages patients to take charge of their health, and with the right resources and education, create long-lasting changes in their lives.

4. Continuous Learning

Continuous learning is a vital aspect of nursing. The healthcare field is always evolving, and staying updated on the latest practices, technologies, and research is essential for providing the best care. Write about how you plan to grow professionally, whether through formal education, attending workshops, or engaging in self-directed study.

Thinking about the ways you can continue learning in your nursing career? Here are some suggestions:

• Take continuing education courses.
• Attend nursing conferences.
• Join professional organizations for nurses.
• Obtain relevant nursing certifications.
• Pursue advanced practice degrees.
• Consider leadership opportunities.
• Share your knowledge as a nurse educator.
• Participate in research studies.

Example:

I’m committed to lifelong learning and actively seek ways to deepen my knowledge, whether it’s through attending conferences or pursuing continuing education courses. I strive to embody leadership qualities in every role I take on, demonstrating high-quality care and professional integrity by example. I also value feedback from peers and mentors, as it fosters collaboration and shared learning. This openness helps me refine my skills and stay current in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

5. Contribution to the Nursing Profession

What’s your vision for the future of healthcare? Reflect on how you plan to contribute to the nursing profession. This could involve mentoring new nurses, advocating for policy changes, engaging in research, or participating in community health initiatives. Share the impact you want to create in the medical world and how your personal philosophy of nursing will guide these contributions.

Example:

As a nurse, I believe it’s crucial to give back to the profession and the community. I am deeply passionate about mental health and aspire to participate in community health initiatives in the substance abuse sector, focusing on prevention, education, and support for those affected. By partnering with local organizations, I hope to raise awareness about substance abuse challenges and provide resources for individuals and families on their recovery journeys. I also advocate for policies that ensure access to care. Through these efforts, I hope to foster a supportive environment for those in recovery.

Looking to Upgrade Your Nursing Career?

Now that you’ve written a personal philosophy of nursing, you’re ready to apply it in a brand-new role. IntelyCare can connect you with quality nursing jobs that fit your values and ambitions.