Brandon Sparrer

Philosophy of Nursing

NURS 314 – Principles of Practice: Foundational Concepts

NURS 481 – Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

 

Purpose of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to enable the student to rediscover his or her personal philosophy of nursing as it exists upon the completion of the baccalaureate nursing program.

 

Student Approach to Assignment

For many, our personal philosophy is what draws an individual to nursing.  While participating in this assignment, I had the opportunity to evaluate the factors that have influenced my philosophy of nursing since beginning the program two years ago.  In this evaluation I defined what nursing means to me, explained the purpose of nurses from my own viewpoint, articulated assumptions in nursing care and coordinated these with theorists, and highlighted values important to my own practice.  Through my participation in this assignment, I was able to witness the growth I’ve encountered, while also reflecting on the circumstances that brought me to where I am currently.  Most importantly, I was able to expand my already existing passion for this field in healthcare. 

 

Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio

This prescribed assignment highlights the advancements I’ve made since beginning the nursing program while also emphasizing the structure that has governed my practice thus far.  Furthermore, this assignment demonstrates my ability to examine, synthesize, and think critically regarding my clinical experiences and education.  Various curriculum targets are identified and explained here:

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Critical Thinking

• Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice

  • In my subsequent philosophy paper, I highlighted the different theorists whose concepts were instrumental in my interaction and collaboration with various players in the healthcare team.  For example, Jean Watson’s concepts correlated with the relationship between patients and nurses in culturally diverse settings and scenarios, Callista Roy related to the influence on the environment in community settings, and Imogene King’s goal attainment philosophies lined up with the relationship between the nurse and other healthcare professionals.  These various philosophies guided my practice and served as frameworks for me to cater my communication and practice.

 

Teaching

• Provides teaching to patients and/or professionals about health care procedures and technologies in preparation for and following nursing or medical interventions

  • In my second philosophy paper, I discussed an instance in which I was able to provide anticipatory guidance to a patient having her indwelling urinary catheter removed.  I informed her that the removal would likely provide mild to moderate discomfort; however, this would only last for approximately five seconds or fewer.  This allowed for rapport to be enhanced rather than diminished assuming I withheld such information from her. 

• Uses information technologies and other appropriate methods to enhance one’s own knowledge base

  • As I discussed the various factors that influence my personal definition of nursing, I realized that the American Nurses Association played a considerable role in defining my practice.  To best articulate this, I researched their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics to correlate their influence on my definition and philosophy.  After searching for these sentiments, I noticed additional aspects regarding nursing ethics that I did not realize at the time. 

 

Leadership

• Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the interdisciplinary health care team

  • In my follow-up paper to the first philosophy assignment I discussed the purpose of the nurse in the healthcare industry.  In my work, I emphasized that the nurse provides holistic care and coordinates care of the patient rather than focusing on singular body systems.  I also emphasized that the nurse advocates for the patient in circumstances in which that individual is unable to do so for himself or herself.  The nurse also values incorporation of nonmaleficence, beneficence, fidelity, autonomy, veracity, and other ideals to encompass moral practice.

 

Professionalism

• Demonstrates accountability for one’s own professional practice

  • In my second philosophy assignment I highlighted a situation in which I was expected to administer an intravenous medication without adequate supplies to do so.  Rather than following through with the practice without appropriately sanitizing the extension tubing with alcohol, I asked my nurse to acquire a wipe to prevent the potential introduction of infection into the patient’s blood stream.  Rather than strictly listen to what my nurse asked me to do, I ensured that my patient was safe and took precautionary measures that should be completed on every medication administration experience.

• Applies an ethical decision-making framework and legal guidelines to clinical situations that incorporate moral concepts, professional ethics, and advocacy for patient well-being and preferences

  • While discussing the various principles of nursing in my second philosophy assignment, I bring up the importance of providing nonmaleficent and veracity while caring for the patient.  Nonmaleficence should be present whenever applicable, especially in the pediatric setting to prevent traumatic care occurrence.  Outside of the pediatric realm, this value still applies to promote ethical nursing practice.  Veracity is extremely important as it plays a role in patients making well-informed autonomous decisions.  Furthermore, as stated previously, I found it imperative to advocate for the patient before performing a task that might leave him or her at risk of health compromise.

 

Culture

• Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race, religion, gender, lifestyle, and age

  • In my philosophy follow-up assignment, I spoke on the importance of recognizing cultural differences between oneself and the patient such as when one of my patients refused to allow me to assist her in toileting or changing her garments.  Though many patients welcome help from male or female nurses, I respected this patient’s decision and found a female nursing student to assist the nurse already in the room. 

• Integrates knowledge of cultural diversity in performing nursing interventions

  • As I discussed in my philosophy paper follow-up, while caring for adolescents in an underserved community, I found it to be important to recognize the unavailability of nutritious food around their community.  Rather than expecting this community to purchase expensive foods to compensate, I encouraged the use of a community garden and provided nutrition education and recipes to facilitate healthier eating practices.  I provided nutrition discussion and encouraged conversation and teach back to assure concept retention as well.

 

 

Honor Code

 

“I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.”

 

• Brandon Sparrer

• January 31, 2020

• Signature: Brandon Sparrer