Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice

As nursing continues to evolve, its philosophical foundation becomes increasingly essential in guiding care delivery. Nursing is more than clinical procedures; it is a dynamic interaction between science, empathy, advocacy, and the promotion of health in individuals and populations. My personal philosophy of nursing reflects the convergence of experience, values, education, and a moral obligation to pursue health equity and justice: Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice.

This paper will explore how my personal nursing philosophy aligns with the four nursing metaparadigm domains, person, environment, health, and nursing, while also reflecting Walden University’s mission of social change and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework. In support of this, I will examine how selected middle-range and interdisciplinary theories contribute to and validate my approach to nursing practice.

Intersection with the Four Nursing Domains

The four domains of the nursing metaparadigm, person, environment, health, and nursing, offer a lens through which my practice is shaped. The “person” represents the holistic individual, encompassing physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. I believe every person possesses intrinsic dignity, which should be honored in care delivery.

In my experience coordinating care for a non-verbal elderly patient without family, I realized that compassionate communication, through touch, eye contact, and cultural sensitivity, can uphold the person’s identity and humanity, as highlighted by Hansen and Dysvik (2022).

The domain of “environment” involves all external factors influencing health. I embrace the concept of a healing environment that includes not only clinical spaces but also social support and community contexts. During a public health outreach event I organized in an underserved neighborhood, I witnessed firsthand how environmental factors such as housing instability and food insecurity directly impact wellness, thereby affirming that the environment cannot be separated from care.

“Health,” as a dynamic state of well-being, is central to my philosophy. I perceive health not only as the absence of disease but as a state of optimal functioning as defined by the patient. Dos Santos et al. (2022) suggest that nursing interventions must account for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. I align with this multidimensional understanding, striving to restore balance rather than simply treat symptoms.

“Nursing” itself is a science-driven, person-centered profession that requires both technical expertise and moral intentionality. It is my duty to advocate, educate, and empower. I resonate with Watson’s Human Caring Theory, where the nurse’s intentional presence becomes therapeutic (Sharifi‐Heris & Bender, 2023). Nursing, to me, is an ethical commitment to social responsibility, especially toward vulnerable groups.

Alignment with Walden’s Mission of Social Change

My philosophy is deeply embedded in the mission of social change, as articulated by Walden University. I believe nursing leadership must extend beyond the bedside and into communities, policies, and systems. I have pursued initiatives aimed at closing health disparity gaps, such as providing culturally appropriate chronic disease education in rural minority populations.

According to Flaubert et al. (2021), fostering inclusive leadership in nursing education and practice is essential for developing agents of change. I seek to be such an agent, using my role as a DNP-prepared nurse to drive equity, elevate underserved voices, and build collaborative systems. This practice entails running health literacy campaigns, advocating for policy, and mentoring future nurses from diverse backgrounds.

My aspiration is to lead not just within healthcare institutions but also dismantle systemic barriers by influencing public health policies that impact community wellness. Walden’s call for integrating scholarship with activism is embodied by my philosophy.

Alignment with the SDOH Framework

My philosophy is complemented by a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, which draws attention to the fact that many factors outside of clinical care impact health outcomes, such as income, education, transportation, and social connectedness. I have worked with patients who had failed clinical interventions that were excellent because they could not afford transportation or insurance for their medication. The reality of this has made me prototype interventions that address these upstream factors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024), addressing SDOH is instrumental to achieving health equity. In contemplating nursing, I see this as a doorway through which these barriers are navigated and mitigated. For example, I work with social workers and community health navigators on a regular basis to make sure patients have access to food, housing support, and transportation.

This enables me to uphold the nursing value of justice whilst operationalizing the SDOH framework to deliver real outcomes. This framework adds to nursing leadership a systems-based approach to wellness that is congenial to my vision of holistic caring.

Support from Middle-Range Nursing Theories

Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory are two middle-range theories that closely relate to my nursing philosophy. According to Lin et al. (2023), Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory certainly emphasizes relief, ease, and transcendence on physical, psychospiritual, environmental and sociocultural dimensions. This theory fits in with my belief in the patient being the center

Using this framework, I implemented this approach in caring for a terminally ill cancer patient, essentially providing comfort not only with pain control but also with emotional support, the presence of family, and spiritual guidance. I consider comfort to be a natural goal of nursing.

On the other hand, the Novice to Expert Theory of clinical growth and mentoring by Benner has guided my understanding through her theory of acquiring skills at five levels of competency. This framework complements my precepting of new nurses because I recognize that knowledge is experiential and contextual (Graf et al., 2020). I support the development of confident, ethical nurses in environments that support reflection and clinical reasoning, thereby reinforcing the integrity and sustainability of the profession.

Support from Interdisciplinary Theories

The Theory of Planned Behavior and Transformational Leadership Theory are two interdisciplinary theories that expand my nursing philosophy. Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior draws attention to the fact that human behavior is motivated by intention, which is, in turn, influenced by attitudes, norms, and perceived control (Bosnjak et al., 2020).

While I have used this theory to design patient education programs for hypertension and diabetes, the mere act of informing the patient is in itself not enough. I assess their readiness, beliefs, and cultural context and tailor interventions to promote sustained behavioral change.

Notably, transformational Leadership Theory is as integral to my professional identity as the others. As a nursing leader, I am passionate about inspiring and empowering those around me to take purposeful action. In particular, Collins et al. (2020) indicated that authentic transformational leaders reduce burnout and enhance organizational resilience.

Through my own work practice, I have put into place peer mentoring programs and recognition systems that drive morale and a sense of ownership. This theory supports my vision of leadership as relational, value-driven, and enabling innovative forms of innovation.

Conclusion

My personal nursing philosophy reflects a deep commitment to justice, healing, and human dignity. It aligns with the four nursing domains by emphasizing individualized care, environmental awareness, wellness promotion, and the moral essence of nursing. In addition, it resonates with Walden University’s mission for social change and leverages the SDOH framework to address systemic health inequities.

Supported by Kolcaba’s and Benner’s middle-range theories and informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior and transformational leadership, my philosophy is both evidence-based and ethically grounded. As I continue my DNP journey, I am resolved to lead, advocate, and innovate in ways that transform not only individual lives but the broader healthcare landscape.

References

Bosnjak, M., Ajzen, I., & Schmidt, P. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Selected recent advances and applications. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 16(3), 352–356. NCBI. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v16i3.3107

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 17). Social determinants of health (SDOH). CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/about/priorities/why-is-addressing-sdoh-important.html

Collins, E., Owen, P., Digan, J., & Dunn, F. (2020). Applying transformational leadership in nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 35(5), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2019.e11408

Dos Santos, F. C., Macieira, T. G. R., Yao, Y., Hunter, S., Madandola, O. O., Cho, H., Bjarnadottir, R. I., Dunn Lopez, K., Wilkie, D. J., & Keenan, G. M. (2022). Spiritual interventions delivered by nurses to address patients’ needs in hospitals or long-term care facilities: A systematic review. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 25(4), 662–677. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2021.0578

Flaubert, J. L., Menestrel, S. L., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (2021). Nurses leading change. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573918/

Graf, A. C., Jacob, E., Twigg, D., & Nattabi, B. (2020). Contemporary nursing graduates’ transition to practice: A critical review of transition models. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(15-16), 3097–3107. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15234

Hansen, B. S., & Dysvik, E. (2022). Expanding the theoretical understanding in advanced practice nursing: Framing the future. Nursing Forum, 57(6), 1593–1598. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12827

Lin, Y., Zhou, Y., & Chen, C. (2023). Interventions and practices using comfort theory of Kolcaba to promote adults’ comfort: An evidence and gap map protocol of international effectiveness studies. Systematic Reviews, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02202-8

Sharifi‐Heris, Z., & Bender, M. (2023). What constitutes philosophical activity in nursing? Toward a definition of nursing philosophy based on an interpretive synthesis of the recent literature. Nursing Inquiry, 30(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12582

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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.

Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice