The philosophy of nursing practices is a conceptual guideline for the actions, decisions, and ethics of the nurse in her professional undertaking. It outlines beliefs regarding the nature of nursing, the role of the nurse, the goals of patient care, and the relationship between nurses and patients. Central to its philosophy are holistic care, regard for human dignity, and the promotion of health and well-being.
Care can be summarized as the basic principle of nursing philosophy in the approach to a patient. The philosophy, emphasizes considering and placing the needs, values, and preferences of the patient first in all aspects of their care (Riley, 2020). This concept is based on the consideration of the patient as a whole individual, rather than just a clinical case, in providing care based on physical, emotional, and social factors. Precisely, nurses who are considerate of exercising care put the opinions of a patient into decision-making about treatment options, which means they uphold their autonomy and decisions.
Another core element is compassionate care, showing concern on merciful bases, showing empathy, kindness, and emotional support during the process of healing (Watson, 2019). Nurses are encouraged to establish therapeutic relations with their patients; a relation based on trust that assists in reducing anxiety and further aids in recovery. Compassion forms the backbone of nursing ethics and guides professionals during interaction with patients, especially in sensitive or end-of-life situations.
The philosophy of nursing also advocates for evidence-based practices, where EBP emphasizes the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preference in making clinical decisions (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2021). Nurses should keep up with the latest research knowledge and must apply evidence-based interventions to assure quality care. For example, incorporating infection control practices updated from recent research current completely falls directly within this principle.
It is, in its essence, the philosophy of nursing practice that forms the basis of professional behavior and informs an aspirational vision regarding how nurses will relate to patients, their families, and the greater health-care system.
What are the nursing experience and expertise in the philosophy of nursing?
A nurse’s philosophy of nursing is deeply molded by her experiences and expertise combined, which in turn provide the background upon which holistic and compassionate care is delivered. Through direct patient contact, continuous education, and reflective practice, nurses develop their individual philosophy and professional philosophy, respectively. Such experiences enhance core values like empathy, advocacy, and patient-centered care.
Clinical Expertise and Patient-centered Care
One of the major focuses of the nursing philosophy is patient-centered care, and such care is highly enhanced through clinical expertise. The experienced nurse recognizes that each patient is unique and has unique needs and preferences. For example, a nurse who has worked in palliative care would focus on the comfort and dignity of patients in the last stages of their life.
This blends nicely with Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, where caring relationships and holistic care feature strongly. A nurse is thus in a better position to offer such care as their experience grows, addressing not only the physical problems but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the patients.
Holistic and Compassionate Care
Nursing expertise means that care is holistic; the patient will be regarded as an entity, and the treatment provided does not relate to the illness alone but extends to the needs of the patient mentally, emotionally, and socially. For example, in mental health nursing, experienced nurses should engender therapeutic relationships with patients, which are directed not only to their mental health challenges but also extend to the broader contexts of life (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2021).
It is where this holistic approach, being the central tenet of many nursing philosophies, reflects this depth of understanding gained throughout the years.
Advocacy and Ethical Practice
Consequently, with time and experience, nurses could become strong patient advocates to ensure their rights are observed and that they get the right care. For instance, a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit may, for instance, insist on family involvement in decisions considered vital or ensure that dignity is maintained even in highly medicalized environments. In such a case, such advocacy is rooted in ethical principles and reflects the nurse’s deep commitment to their professional philosophy.
Nursing experiences and skill levels play a significant role in shaping nursing philosophy in the practice of nursing by fostering an understanding of holistic, patient-centered care and strong advocacy. Indeed, these are very critical in ensuring that nurses provide not only competent but compassionate and ethical care to their patients.
What are the underlying tenets that support the philosophy of nursing practice and goals for expanding experience and practice as a DNP (e.g., embracing diversity, global health issues, and collaboration)?
The DNP is considered the highest level of practical nursing expertise. Various tenets underlie the philosophy of the DNP. These tenets argue for the development and increase in the scope of nursing practice with the view of appropriately equipping nurses with various tools that shall be necessary in the resolution of the complex health burden. The philosophy of care which concerns a DNP embraces diversity, global health issues, and collaboration.
Diversity Reached
DNP-prepared nurses are called to provide culturally competent care that caters to the diverse needs of populations. This philosophy in nursing practice also embeds an understanding of respect for cultural differences in its way of improving patient outcomes (Jeffreys, 2020). For example, the DNP might apply culturally appropriate communication techniques, such as language services, in working with a multicultural community or adapting healthcare practices to meet a patient’s particular cultural beliefs.
This approach gives results in building trust and, consequently, is going to result in better health-care adherence.
Addressing Global Health Issues
DNP-level nurses are also encouraged to participate in global health issues. Such an aspect of the nursing philosophy displays concern for improved health outcomes that are not only supposed to stop at the local community level but globally. For instance, DNP-prepared nurses may be involved with international healthcare entities to assist with infectious disease outbreaks or provide assistance during times of global health crises (Thornlow et al., 2020).
For instance, a DNP might lead the implementation of evidence-based interventions in under-resourced communities to lower infant mortality or improve maternal health.
Encouraging Collaboration
The other key principle of philosophy of nursing guiding DNP includes collaboration, whereby there are professions that partner together to promote the outcomes of the patient. DNPs practice by mobilizing physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other professionals in marshaling their expertise toward the development and construction of a care plan for patients (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2021). For example, the DNP in primary care may partner with social workers to address the determinants of health, including housing instability, in order to provide holistic care to the vulnerable population.
Expanding Scope of Practice
Other components of DNP philosophy include lifelong learning and increasing the scope of nursing practice. DNPs are called to higher levels of research, policy, and leadership impacting healthcare systems. For example, a DNP may lead in policy changes to increase access to mental health services; this would be through the expanded practice and commitment to evidence-based care.
The philosophy of DNP rests on salient underpinning tenets, such as commitment to diversity, global health, collaboration, and advanced practice expansion, which better prepare and position the DNP-prepared nurse for leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing health environment.
How do these dynamics relate to the DNP role as a social change agent?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a leader not only in healthcare delivery but also acts to inspire social change. This goes beyond the clinical setting into influencing policies for health equity and creating systemic improvements in healthcare.
Key dynamics include a commitment to embracing diversity, addressing global health issues, and encouraging collaboration in support of the role of the DNP in social change, because all those contribute to the greater mission of creating positive societal impact.
Linking Diversity and Social Advocacy
Because of this, DNPs can understand the core competencies that will tackle healthcare disparities and provide a voice for the most vulnerable populations. Such a DNP may institute health policies that will ensure culturally competent healthcare is provided and applied in health organizations. Indeed, DNPs promote diversity so that the mode of care delivery respects the cultural backgrounds of the patients, hence engendering trust and resulting in better health outcomes (Jeffreys, 2020).
The emphasis on diversity herein is very important, especially in developing policies to work toward the reduction of inequities in health-for instance, making sure necessary access to preventive care is extended to those populations that are least served.
Global Health and Social Change
Addressing health concerns around the world positions DNPs as social change agents. Most health issues have no borders, and in today’s connected world, DNPs are in strategic positions to use their influence in implementing such changes that contribute to better health outcomes for the global community. For instance, DNPs would work on policy development with international organizations to find solutions to global pandemics or problems related to improving maternal health in nations most in need. Such efforts set the stage for a more fair and secure global environment (Thornlow et al., 2020).
Teamwork and Social Advocacy
DNPs lead multidisciplinary teams, which advance collaboration from the individual to the system level to improve patient outcomes and create systemic change. This may be accomplished through collaboration with policy-makers, healthcare providers, and social workers to advocate for a comprehensive approach to empowering health through the social determinants of health, like housing and education. This will ensure that health care interventions are holistic and sustainable for social change in light of these contemporary times.
Recommendation: Advocacy for Policy Change at Walden
One suggestion for positive social change includes policy development and advocacy. As a Walden DNP, DNPs engage with policymakers to inform healthcare policies that promote access to care in underserved communities. Examples include advocacy around legislation that would increase funding for community health centers or expansion of Medicaid, which will make great differences in vulnerable communities. Through evidence-based research and leadership skills, Walden DNPs will be able to support policy changes that will further advance the cause of creating a more just and equitable healthcare system.
References
- Jeffreys, M. R. (2020). Teaching Cultural Competence in Nursing and Health Care: Inquiry, Action, and Innovation (4th ed.). Springer Publishing.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2021). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Riley, J. B. (2020). Communication in nursing (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Thornlow, D. K., Patterson, E., & Isaac, C. (2020). Global Health Nursing: Narratives from the Field. Springer Publishing.
- Watson, J. (2019). Caring Science as Sacred Science (2nd ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
