Crafting Your DNP Nursing Philosophy: A Guide for Success Scholarly paper

Introduction

In the dynamic and evolving field of nursing, it is imperative for nursing professionals, particularly those pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), to establish a clear and well-defined philosophy of nursing practice. This philosophy serves as a guiding framework that informs their approach to patient care, decision-making, and advocacy within the healthcare system. This paper aims to outline my personal philosophy of nursing practice, taking into consideration the recommended elements of a philosophy statement, addressing its adaptability to the expanded awareness of practice issues as a DNP, its role in advocating for social change, its alignment with middle-range nursing theories, and its incorporation of interdisciplinary theories.

Elements of a Philosophy Statement

A well-crafted philosophy statement encompasses several key elements that shape one’s approach to nursing practice. According to McEwen and Wills (2017), these elements include the definition of nursing, beliefs about health and well-being, views on nursing ethics, and the role of the nurse in the healthcare system.

Definition of Nursing: My definition of nursing is rooted in the holistic care of individuals across the lifespan. Nursing is not merely a profession but a vocation driven by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of patients. It involves the art and science of promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness, and encompasses the prevention of illness, the alleviation of suffering, and the facilitation of healing.

Beliefs About Health and Well-being: I believe that health is a dynamic state of physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than the mere absence of disease. It is a delicate balance that is influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and access to healthcare. Nurses should not only treat the symptoms of illness but also address the underlying determinants of health to promote wellness.

Nursing Ethics: In line with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, I am committed to upholding the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity in my nursing practice. Respecting patients’ autonomy and advocating for their rights is fundamental to ethical nursing care.

Role of the Nurse: The role of a nurse is multifaceted. Beyond providing clinical care, nurses are educators, advocates, and partners in the patient’s journey to health. As a DNP, I recognize the significance of leadership in nursing, bridging the gap between research and practice, and actively contributing to the advancement of healthcare.

Accommodating Expanded Awareness of Practice Issues as a DNP

As a DNP, my awareness of practice issues has expanded significantly. This expanded awareness includes a deeper understanding of healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, and the intricacies of interprofessional collaboration. My philosophy of nursing practice has evolved to accommodate these insights.

One notable aspect of this evolution is the emphasis on evidence-based practice. As a DNP, I recognize the critical importance of integrating the latest research findings into clinical decision-making. This includes regularly evaluating the evidence to ensure that my practice aligns with the best available knowledge, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018).

Additionally, my role as a DNP has underscored the importance of advocating for policy changes that enhance the delivery of healthcare services. My philosophy now includes a commitment to actively engage in healthcare policy discussions and advocate for changes that promote equitable access to care and improved healthcare outcomes for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Advocacy of Social Change as a DNP

One of the vital roles of a DNP is to be a catalyst for social change within the healthcare system. My philosophy of nursing practice aligns with this role by emphasizing the need to address health disparities, promote health equity, and advocate for vulnerable populations.

I firmly believe that healthcare is a basic human right, and as a DNP, I am dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that reduce healthcare disparities. This includes advocating for increased access to care, culturally competent healthcare services, and addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to disparities (Whitehead, 2018).

Moreover, my philosophy underscores the importance of collaboration with diverse healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to drive social change. By working together on initiatives such as health education programs, policy advocacy, and community outreach, we can effect meaningful change and improve the overall health of our communities.

Middle-Range Nursing Theories Supporting My Philosophy

Two middle-range nursing theories that align with my philosophy of nursing practice are the Health Promotion Model (HPM) by Nola Pender and the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (SCDNT) by Dorothea Orem.

The HPM emphasizes the importance of individual perceptions and motivations in health promotion. It posits that individuals are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors when they perceive the benefits as outweighing the costs (Pender, Murdaugh, & Parsons, 2015). My philosophy incorporates this theory by recognizing the significance of patient education and empowerment in promoting health and preventing illness. By understanding patients’ motivations and beliefs, I can tailor my nursing interventions to be more effective in promoting positive health behaviors.

The SCDNT, on the other hand, focuses on the concept of self-care and the role of the nurse in assisting individuals who are unable to meet their self-care needs. This theory resonates with my philosophy in that it underscores the importance of patient-centered care and the nurse’s role in facilitating self-care. As a DNP, I am committed to empowering patients to take an active role in their health management while providing support when self-care deficits exist.

Interdisciplinary Theories Informing My Philosophy

In addition to nursing theories, interdisciplinary theories play a significant role in shaping my philosophy of nursing practice. One such theory is the Social Ecological Model (SEM), which originates from the field of public health. The SEM posits that health is influenced by multiple levels of influence, including individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy factors (McLeroy et al., 1988).

This model informs my philosophy by highlighting the interconnectedness of health determinants and the need for a holistic approach to healthcare. As a DNP, I recognize that addressing complex health issues often requires interventions at multiple levels, from individual patient care to community-based initiatives to policy changes. For example, when dealing with a chronic disease like diabetes, my philosophy incorporates the SEM by considering not only the individual’s management of their condition but also the community resources, organizational support, and policy frameworks that can influence their health outcomes.

Conclusion

Developing a personal philosophy of nursing practice is a fundamental step in guiding one’s approach to patient care and advocacy within the healthcare system. As a DNP, my philosophy has evolved to accommodate an expanded awareness of practice issues, emphasize advocacy for social change, align with middle-range nursing theories, and incorporate interdisciplinary theories. By grounding my nursing practice in this philosophy, I am better equipped to provide holistic, evidence-based care, advocate for social justice, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare for all individuals.

References

American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2017). Theoretical basis for nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.

Pender, N. J., Murdaugh, C. L., & Parsons, M. A. (2015). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice. Pearson.

Whitehead, D. (2018). Health promotion and health education: Advancing the concepts. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74(4), 767-769.

McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education & Behavior, 15(4), 351-377.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Developing a Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice as a DNP