Assignment Task:
Your Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Florence Nightingale's philosophy and teachings emphasize that the nurse must use her brain, heart and hands to create healing environments to care for the patient's body, mind and spirit. Nursing, since the time of Nightingale, has been building the holistic paradigm, in all schools of thought, with a view to a humanistic approach to the human being in their indivisible relationship with the environment. (Riegel et al., 2021, p.1)
The nursing paradigm includes four domains: person, environment, health, and nursing. These domains enable nurses to provide holistic and patient-centered care. When you combine them with your own attitudes, beliefs, and values, you can begin generating a unique and personal philosophy of nursing.
For this first Assignment of the course-and building on this week's Discussion-you will formulate your personal philosophy of nursing practice. Keep in mind that you will not submit your Assignment until Day 7 of Week 3. Begin now and continue developing your thoughts and ideas, as you engage with Weeks 2 and 3, which focus on nursing theory.
Note: As you work your way through this course, the image above to the upper-right will appear with each Assignment to remind you that the effort you put in now will benefit you in the future, as you put your knowledge and skills into action as a DNP-prepared nurse.
Resources:
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Required Readings
- McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2022). Theoretical basis for nursing (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Chapter 1, "Philosophy, Science, and Nursing" (pp. 2-22)
- Chapter 2, "Overview of Theory in Nursing" (pp. 23-50)
- Algase, D. L. (2009). The centrality of theoretical thinking and the value of empirical evidence. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 23(4), 251-252.
Note: This resource is seminal to the field.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 17). Social determinants of health (SDOH). CDC.
- Fawcett, J. (1999). The state of nursing science: Hallmarks of the 20th and 21st centuries. Nursing Science Quarterly, 12(4), 311-318.
Note: This resource is seminal to the field.
- Fawcett, J. (2014). Thoughts about conceptual models, theories, and quality improvement projects. Nursing Science Quarterly, 27(4) 336-339.
Note: This resource is seminal to the field.
- Read, C. Y., Betancourt, D. M. P., & Morrison, C. (2016). Social change: A framework for inclusive leadership development in nursing education. Journal of Nursing Education, 55(3), 164-167.
- Sebrant, L., & Jong, M. (2020). What's the meaning of the concept of caring? A meta-synthesis. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Science, 35(2), 353-365.
- Sharma, A., Arpanantikul, M., &Asdornwised, U. (2022). Nursing knowledge development from the standpoint of philosophical and methodological perspective. International Journal of Nursing Education, 14(3), 1-6.
- Walden University. (n.d.). Social determinants of health: Understanding vision health equity
- Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University student handbook: Vision, mission, and goals
- Walden University Library. (n.d.). Databases A-Z: Nursing
Optional Resources:
- Fawcett, J. (2014). Thoughts about conceptual models, theories, and quality improvement projects. Nursing Science Quarterly, 27(4) 336-339.
Note: This resource is seminal to the field.
- Walden University. (2021). DNP glossary [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas.
- Walden University Library. (n.d.). Evaluating resources: Primary and secondary sources
- Walden University Library. (n.d.). Library webinar archives: Nursing
Note: View the two videos available at the top of the page:
o Introduction: Nursing and Health Research
o Advanced: Nursing and Health Research
Walden University, LLC. (2024). Welcome to the DNP program [Video]. Walden University Canvas.
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week. Pay special attention to what is said about developing a personal philosophy of nursing practice.
- Search the Walden Library and the internet to identify at least two middle-range nursing theories and two interdisciplinary theories that inform and/or support your personal philosophy of nursing practice.
- Reflect on your Week 1 Discussion post and the comments you received from colleagues to help you further clarify your personal philosophy of nursing practice.
- Consider how your personal philosophy intersects with the four nursing domains: person, environment, health, and nursing.
- Consider how your personal philosophy aligns with Walden's mission for social change.
- Consider how your personal philosophy aligns with the SDOH framework.
The Assignment (5 pages):
In a 5-page paper (not including cover page and references page), describe your personal philosophy of nursing practice, including explanations of:
- How your personal philosophy intersects with the four nursing domains: person, environment, health, and nursing
- How your personal philosophy aligns with Walden's mission of social change
- How your personal philosophy aligns with the SDOH framework
- How at least two middle-range nursing theories support your personal philosophy of nursing practice (Be specific and provide examples.)
- How at least two interdisciplinary nursing theories support your personal philosophy of nursing practice (Be specific and provide examples.)