Philosophy of Nursing
Lindsay Prestwood, RN
Georgia Southern University

Spring 2012
NURS 3139

Philosophy of Nursing A philosophy is a person’s value statement composed of that person’s ideologies and characteristics. It is my personal opinion that a philosophy is strongly influenced by a person’s upbringing, their life experiences and is an evolving moral belief in an area of their life. There are differing opinions and statements that can define a philosophy. My philosophy in nursing is built on a firm belief that I should always maintain integrity, honesty and a heart to help health the sick and those in need, while laying aside my own personal biases do only what is right of a prudent nurse. Being a strong and prudent nurse is one that esteems the patient’s needs above their own needs. Nursing is the foundation to the practice of medicine in our nation. I will share one definition of a philosophy according to Yoder-Wise: A nursing philosophy statement outlines the vision, values, and beliefs about the practice of nursing and the provision of patient care within the organization. The philosophy statement is used to guide the practice of nursing in the various nursing units on a daily basis. (Yoder-Wise, 2011, 282)
As I stated in my original philosophy, being a strong and prudent nurse who places a patient’s needs as top priority is the part of what encompasses my philosophy of nursing.
Concepts and Beliefs When I stated in my philosophy that one must place the patient’s needs above their own, I am speaking in terms of a nurse working their shift and not inside of their personal life. I belief it is as important that the nurse take care of themselves as an individual out side of work and nurture themselves with the same care that they would provide their patient with on a daily basis. Self-care is often lacking in the life of a nurse and is