Nursing Philosophy
My nursing philosophy is based on the principles of holistic care. I believe that nursing is not just about preventing physical illnesses; it is about caring for the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of each person. My approach is guided by Jean Watson’s principles of humane care that emphasize meaningful communication with patients through trust, empathy, and respect (Watson, 2008).
One particular experience that strongly affected me was during my clinical placement at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. I treated the elderly patient who was just out of surgery suffering from loneliness besides caring for her physically. Apart from providing her with physical care, I took time to sit with her, listen to her stories, and reassure her. Her gratitude showed me that the smallest acts of kindness could sometimes even save a person’s life.
As a nurse, I try to establish an environment in which patients are secure and understand they are part of their care by empowering them. This means listening to the person without judging, speaking on behalf of his/her needs, and tailoring the care plans to reflect the unique situations of the patient. I am sure that collaboration among patients, their families, and the healthcare team is the best way to deliver effective and compassionate care (Watson, 2008).