Philosophy of Nursing

My nursing philosophy includes, compassion, empathy, tenacity, and altruism. I believe

that nursing should be patient-centered and create a sense of caring in the relationship. With

compassion, the nurse can delve deep into their care with the patient and provide adequate

attention. Empathy is important to connect with the patients and their families. Throughout my

nursing school career, we have studied intensively the nursing integrative principles; principle

number four states that integrative nursing is person-centered, and relationship based (Kreitzer,

M., 2015). Creating the relationship between family and trying to understand the position they

are in will help with comforting and helping the patient with their needs. Empathizing with the

patient and their family helps them see that the nurse is there for them in their time of need.

Tenacity is key for nurses who want to keep thriving in their environments. Tenacity can help

push a nurse further when they are thinking about future education or help to get new nurses out

of compassion fatigue ruts. With enough determination, I feel that a nurse can continue to

pursue their career and enjoy the work they do they way they felt about it in the beginning.

Finally, altruism will further the nurse’s relationships with the patients with their selflessness and

caring. Altruism focuses on the well-being of the patient with full regard of their wants and

needs. If a nurse can put themselves second for the shift to create a priority of their patients, the

patient care will be better and the relationship between the two can be more wholesome. These

four qualities are factors that I feel create an incredible nurse with great patient-centered work

ethic. When I start working as a Med/Surg nurse, I hope to represent these traits and I want them

to help push me to my fullest capacity to be a compassionate, hardworking nurse.