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What is my definition of nursing?

My philosophy of nursing paper from NUR 301 stated that my definition of nursing was the all-encompassing care of another person including emotional and physical needs across the healthcare continuum. While I still agree with this definition, I would probably change it now as I was not yet a nurse when I wrote this, not yet a single mother, and over time have realized that giving every thing of yourself to another all the time is unrealistic.

My definition of nursing now being a nurse and completing my baccalaureate education is that nursing is the high quality, safe and equitable care of individuals, their families and the community to the best of my ability through knowledge, continuing education and evidence based practice.

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What nursing theory resonates with me?

The nursing theorist that most aligns with my beliefs, values and personal ethics is Hildegard Peplau. Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations was introduced in 1952 and consists of three phases: Orientation, Working and Termination¹. The orientation phase is for the nurse and patient to get to know each other, it is when the nurse will first assess the patient yes, but it is the basis for establishing trust and communication between the two. In the working phase it is the duties and tasks of nursing like medication administration and getting exercise for the patient, but where the trust can be solidified by continually interacting with the patient, listening and communicating therapeutically. In the termination phase, the final phase, the nurse educates the patient on their condition and future needs on managing it. The trust and communication must already be established by this phase to be effective.

I resonate most with Peplau and her theory as I believe the basis for nursing must be communication and connection with our patients. The trust a patient must have in their nurse lets them be open about their needs and helps them to better understand the process and what they need to do going forward to care for their condition.

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What are my professional values in nursing?

Professional values in nursing have been based around the 7 Ethical Principles for which the Nursing Code of Ethics was written. The seven principles are Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Justice, Accountability, Autonomy, Fidelity and Veracity². Similar to my personal values, the most important of these for my nursing practice are Beneficence (the act of doing what is good for the patient), Non-maleficence (acting without harm to the patient), Justice (acting in fairness and impartiality), Fidelity (keeping ones promises and honoring my responsibilities) and Veracity (being honest with my patients and other members of the healthcare team³. Standing on these ethical principles just as in my personal beliefs, helps me to deliver safe, quality patient care while making connections with my patients to educate them for going forward in their own lives.

The Nursing Social Policy Statement is the social contract between the nursing profession and the people in society that we treat⁴. In order to enter into this contract appropriately, we must practice the values of fidelity and veracity to uphold it, while practicing beneficence and non-maleficence with our patients.

The Nursing Scope and Standards of practice outline the who, what, when, where, why and how of our profession. This scope outlines that we as Registered Nurses promote health, prevent disease, advocate for our patients whenever and wherever there is a need to achieve the most positive outcomes possible⁵. The how of nursing, incorporates the values and ethics of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, fidelity and veracity that are professional values of mine and the profession as a whole.

To be a good nurse, I believe you need to understand the commitment you take on. While it is impossible to give all of yourself at all times to the care of another, nurses have a responsibility to our patients and the community to come very close. A nurse must have the integrity and veracity, respect and loyalty to provide safe and high quality care each day and must do so to benefit the patient and never put them in harm.

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What are my personal values in nursing?

For me personally, I believe that the basis of my values comes down to integrity, honesty, equality, respect and loyalty. I have never been a shy person in expressing my views, and I do believe that being honest about your opinions, true to yourself, acting with the best of intentions and looking out for those you are loyal to are of the utmost importance. As a nurse, I am always looking for the best for my patient's, however I do this naturally with them as it is something I practice regularly anyway. In personal matters at work, with friends or with family, I am always trying to find the plan or solution that works the best for everyone equally as I truly am a caring person and do not sit well with injustices done to anyone who crosses my path. I respect each person equally, whether a coworker, friend or stranger regardless of title or stature because in the end we are all just people doing our best and we all deserve respect. I believe that holding these values true each day helps me to move peacefully in life, feel good about decisions I make and interactions I have, and rest easy at night knowing I did my best to make not only my day, but my daughter's and anyone else I came in contact with's day a bit brighter.

When I initially wanted to go into nursing, it was from a previous position of working with the public in the service industry, and then as a medical assistant. I knew I wanted more reach to be able to help community members, educate them and connect with them to make a difference then my former positions allowed. The basis for my entire working career was always for the connection in other people and continuing on that with the values of integrity, honesty, equality, respect and loyalty helps forge those strong relationships in communication while serving the public.

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What Essentials of Baccalaureate Education do I feel are important to the nursing profession?

The three Essentials of Baccalaureate Education I feel are most important to the nursing profession are essentials I, III and VI.

Essential I states that a solid base in liberal education is the cornerstone for the practice and education of nurses⁶. As a nurse, it is first important the we are educated in the topics and issues that we help to treat and teach our patients about. Without first having our own education and knowledge base, we are unable to adequately do this for another.

Essential III states that professional nursing practice is grounded in the translation of current evidence into one's practice⁶. Basis of knowledge in medicine is not enough for nurses, we must be continually pursuing new information to update our care and provide the best evidence based practice to each patient.

Essential VI states that communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are critical to delivering high quality and safe patient care⁶. More than any other task or skill, effective communication is utilized and required by nurses. Through communication we work within the healthcare team to provide our care to our patients, explain and educate our patients, and most importantly, forge the bonds with our patients to establish trust in the healthcare team as a whole to be able to deliver that care. Without effective therapeutic communication between nurse and patient, this care cannot adequately be delivered.

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References

1- Deane, W. H., & Fain, J. A. (2016). Incorporating Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations to promote holistic communication between older adults and nursing students. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 34(1), 35-41. doi:10.1177/0898010115577975

2- ANA. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses. Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

3- Faubion, D. (2023). The 9 nursing code of ethics (provisions + interpretive statements) – every nurse must adhere to. Retrieved from Nursing Process.

4- Neuman, C. E. (2012). Nursing's Social Policy Statement. In Essential Guide to Nursing Practice.

5- ANA. (2021). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (4th ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association. Retrieved from American Nurses Association.

6- AACN. (2008). The Essentials: Core Compentencies for Professional Nursing Education.