Introduction A philosophy is a system of basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes

Introduction
A philosophy is a system of basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes that reflect the values of an
individual or group. On a personal level these basic beliefs serve as a framework for the
individual’s worldview and actions. A personal nursing philosophy is a statement of the basic
beliefs, concepts, and attitudes that shape an individual’s practice and influence care. As you
prepare to write down your nursing philosophy consider: How do you view the practice of
nursing? What theories, beliefs, values, and assumptions shape your perspective of the nursing?
Do you relate to a specific theory or theorist (consider theories outside of nursing- what about
psychology, sociology, and other theories you have explored during your baccalaureate
education)? Are you influenced by ethical principles or your personal faith? How would you
articulate this philosophy to others? How do you view the four nursing metaparadigm conceptsthe human being, health, nursing, and environment? How do these beliefs influence and shape
your practice?
Instructions:
1. Review previous philosophy of nursing from NSG 316 and consider changes in perspective
from the start of the nursing program to now. Was it well defined? Could you clearly state your
philosophy? Have you added elements to it? Has the focus changed? Is your philosophy more
task-centered or patient centered? Make note of any changes as you will need to discuss your
growth in the third section of the paper.
2. Write a 1-3 page scholarly paper examining your personal nursing philosophy. The paper must
be in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font and double spaced. There is a 3-page maximum
for this paper. Excluding the title and reference page anything over the 3-page limit will not be
graded.
The paper should include the following components:
– An Introduction: Introduce the topic to your reader.
Clearly provide a 1 to 2
sentence statement of your current philosophy of nursing. Include a thesis or a
statement of purpose to tell the reader what to expect in the subsequent
paragraphs. If you struggle developing thesis statements please review this Thesis
Handout.
Discussion of 2 Theoretical Influences: Identify 2 separate influences (nursing
related or related discipline theories/ethical theories/or faith-based
principles/tenets) that have impacted or reflect your philosophy of nursing.
Briefly summarize each influence. Provide rationale as to how or why these
theories/tenets influence your philosophy. Connect your philosophy to your
practice by telling the reader how this perspective affects your daily practice.
Both influences must have supporting citations and references. You may choose
from nursing or related discipline theories, or ethical theories, or faith-based
tenets. Each theory or tenet must be supported with a separate citation and
reference. Do not use the same reference for both influences. While it is
recognized that multiple people/experiences/and ideas contribute to the
development of an individual’s philosophy, credit will not be earned for
identification of a person, recollection of an event, or defining of a word.
Please note: Excluding the title and reference page anything over the 3 page limit will not be graded.
Your Conceptualization of Nursing: Highlight your personal understanding of the
4 elements of the nursing metaparadigm- the human being, health, nursing and the
environment. This means provide a personalized definition for each. Then explain
the interrelationship of concepts from your perspective with rationale. Briefly
include a discussion of how this conceptualization of nursing is influences your
practice.
– Discussion of the Evolution of Your Philosophy: You must clearly state your
previous philosophy and compare or contrast 2 elements of the previous
philosophy to your current philosophy. If you contrast an element you are
highlighting a change in your philosophy, identifying the factors that influenced
the change, and communicating your current perspective. If you compare an
element you are highlighting a similarity between your previous and current
philosophy and discussing how an idea or concept covered within the program fits
within your philosophy. Provide specific examples from the program that
influenced or reinforced your philosophy. Discuss how this change or
reinforcement impacts your practice.
A Conclusion: A summation of your influences, conceptualization, and evolution.
Then tie the ideas together with an overarching concept or future goal related to
your nursing philosophy.
In addition, the paper should meet these requirements:
• A minimum of 2 references.
• Submitted via the designated assignment link in module 2, no later than 11:30pm
Sunday night at the end of week 2.
• Double spaced and submitted in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font.
• The final paper should follow APA format (7th edition). Ensure proper font, line
spacing, margins, title page, citations/references page, page numbering, etc.
• 3-page maximum for the paper, excluding the title page and reference page/pages.
Anything over the 3-page limit will not be graded.
• Use of first person is permitted for this assignment. Second person is not
appropriate for this assignment and will result in a significant point deduction
under the style area of the rubric.
• This is a formal, scholarly assignment. Do not use rhetorical questions or
contractions in the paper.
Review the guidelines, sample format, and grading rubric throughout the creation of your paper
to ensure that assignment requirements and expectations are met.