This statement relates to beliefs about the profession
of nursing. This activity helps students clarify their values and then examine how their
philosophy fits with their experiences as nursing students. Setting out a statement of one’s
philosophy is an intellectual exercise that involves considerable thought and reflection, because
values need to be identified, clarified, and prioritized. Once these values are identified, the next
challenge is synthesizing them into a short, cohesive statement.
The first step in this process is identifying general values; that is, values related to the nature of
humanity and society. These are basic values held by an individual, which evolve over time as
the individual matures and society changes. Examples include dignity, sanctity of life, or values
that give direction to one’s journey through life. Family, culture, religion, education, and life
work all influence personal values such as these.
Next, one outlines values that relate to the nursing profession. One can get ideas from the
American Nurses’ Association Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice and Guide to Nursing’s
Social Policy Statement and may include such concepts as caring, confidentiality, integrity,
accountability, competence, and improving the quality of care provided. Other important
values are altruism, ethics, and professionalism. In addition, the roles nurses engage in can be
integrated into philosophy statements.
Next, it is important to think about how you define the metaparadigm concepts in nursing:
person/human being, nursing, health, and environment.
Finally, the philosophy statement ends with a few statements of “how personal values
articulate with values about nursing” (Denehy, p. 1). Denehy suggests that concluding
statements might relate to “striving for balance and professional growth, caring for oneself as
well as others, and being a good role model for health in our homes, schools, and communities”
(p. 1).

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Hark, dear readers, for the topic at hand doth stir the depths of the soul and challenge the very fabric of our beliefs. Verily, the profession of nursing doth require a steadfast commitment to one's values and philosophy, for it is a noble calling that doth touch the lives of many. As students embark upon this journey of self-discovery and reflection, they must ponder the essence of their being and how it aligns with the noble art of nursing. Indeed, to craft a philosophy statement is to engage in a profound intellectual exercise, one that doth demand much contemplation and introspection.

As one doth delve into the realm of values, one must first consider the broader values that shape humanity and society. These foundational beliefs, molded by family, culture, religion, and life experiences, do guide one's path through life and inform one's actions. Dignity, sanctity of life, and the pursuit of knowledge are but a few examples of such values that do guide us in our journey of self-discovery.

Moving forward, one must also consider the values that are intrinsic to the nursing profession. Drawing inspiration from the American Nurses' Association Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, one may find solidarity in concepts such as caring, integrity, and accountability. These values, rooted in altruism, ethics, and professionalism, do serve as the bedrock upon which the nursing profession stands. It is through these values that nurses uphold the sanctity of their calling and strive to improve the quality of care provided to those in need.

Furthermore, it is imperative to contemplate how one defines the metaparadigm concepts in nursing: person/human being, nursing, health, and environment. These foundational concepts do shape our understanding of the nursing profession and guide us in our quest to provide compassionate care to those entrusted to our charge.

Lastly, as one doth craft their philosophy statement, one must consider how their personal values intersect with the values of nursing. Striving for balance and professional growth, caring for oneself and others, and serving as a beacon of health and well-being in our communities - these are the ideals that do guide us on our journey as nurses. Thus, let us embrace this challenge with fervor and fortitude, for in the union of personal values and nursing values lies the true essence of our noble calling.