“Nursing philosophy aims to discover and ground ourselves in a foundation that empowers and enables us to participate fully and wholeheartedly in the nursing metaparadigm.
It allows us to examine and challenge the various systems we work within to achieve equitable change.”
– Emanuelito (Eman)
In nursing literature, Reed (1995) defines nursing philosophy as the “statement of foundational and universal assumptions, beliefs, and principles about the nature of knowledge and truth (epistemology) and about the nature of the entities represented in the metaparadigm (i.e., nursing practice and human healing processes [ontology]),” (p.76).
To develop our nursing practice, we must take a moment and examine our own experiences, beliefs, and values that influence us as human beings.
This is supported by Maykut & Bissonnette (2022), who state that “learning about oneself is critical to understanding how personal beliefs and values intersect, conflict with, and influence a student’s future professional role” (p. 6).
My Personal Nursing Philosophy
I am grounded in Roach’s 6’Cs (compassion, competence, confidence, conscience, commitment, comportment) to foster trust and build a therapeutic relationship.
I utilize the concepts of emancipatory knowing, sociopolitical knowing, and trauma-informed care in all of my interactions as I do not know what barriers, challenges, or lived experiences an individual has overcome before entering into my care.
I uphold the values of autonomy, dignity, and justice as a Registered Nurse to ensure that my client plays an active role in their care and makes informed decisions.
I stand for increasing access to free, inclusive, and equitable mental health care services, especially given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I will be known as an advocate, a mentor, and a future leader in hopes that I can influence change that our healthcare system desperately needs and dismantle the oppressive systems and policies that have acted as barriers to one’s ability to access supports and services they desperately need.
Last Updated: April 2023