NURSING PHILOSOPHY
What is a Personal Philosophy of Nursing—and How Can It Help My Career?
A philosophy of nursing is a statement that outlines a nurse's values, ethics, and beliefs, as
well as their motivation for being part of the profession. A philosophy of nursing helps you
identify the beliefs and theories that shape the choices you make on the job every day.
Factors Influencing Personal Philosophy
Personal values will be developed through being influenced by family, culture, society,
environment, religious belief and ethnicity (Blais, 2010). Acquisition of these values is a
gradual and evolutionary process which happens throughout people's life (Leners et al., 2006).
As a current or aspiring nurse, you may have personal beliefs about what nursing means to you.
A philosophy of nursing helps you identify the beliefs and theories that shape the choices you
make every day.
Many instructors will ask their students to write a philosophy of nursing. This task challenges
students to think critically about the field they have entered or are entering. So, what is a
“philosophy of nursing”?
What Is a Philosophy of Nursing?
A philosophy of nursing is a statement that outlines a nurse’s values, ethics, and beliefs, as well
as their motivation for being part of the profession. It covers a nurse’s perspective regarding their
education, practice, and patient care ethics. A philosophy of nursing helps you identify the
beliefs and theories that shape the choices you make on the job every day.
How to Write a Philosophy of Nursing
Start by asking yourself these questions and jotting down your answers:
1. Why do I/did I want to become a nurse?
2. Why is nursing important to me?
3. What are my beliefs about nursing?
4. What are my theories of nursing?
5. What qualities make a great nurse?
6. What skills should every nurse have?
7. Which values are important to nurses?
These questions are meant to help you identify your values and beliefs. To begin writing your
personal philosophy of nursing, follow the steps below.
1. Define what nursing means to you.
Begin your philosophy of nursing by identifying what nursing means to you. Why did you
choose nursing rather than another profession?
2. Add a personal story that expands on your values and skills.
Consider adding a story from your life that touches on your passions for the profession. Include
insight into the traits and values that apply to nursing.
3. Include how you plan to impact society through nursing.
Do you plan to use nursing as a tool for positive social change? If so, in what areas? Touch on
the big picture you have for yourself and the world around you.
4. Highlight any values and skills that are important to you.
List the skills that mean the most to you, and why. Explore how you plan to use them in future
experiences.
Philosophy of Nursing Examples
Florence Nightingale developed a foundational philosophy of nursing that is still in place today.
She theorized that the environment of the patient should be changed to allow for nature to work
on the patient.
Philosophies of nursing are typically a few paragraphs long. But here are some excerpts from
philosophies of nursing crafted by nursing students:
Carolann McLawrence: “I strive to be an educator, an advocate and a promoter of disease
awareness, good health practices, and a supporter of strong family values within the
community and the world.”
Megan McGahan: “Nursing is more than treating an illness; rather it is focused on
delivering quality patient care that is individualized to the needs of each patient.”
Brandi Dahlin: “My philosophy is that nurses have a responsibility to the public to provide
safe, holistic, patient-centered care. I must remember that my patients are not room
numbers or medical conditions, but individuals that require and deserve individualized
attention and care.”
Joanne de Guia-Rayos: “Knowing that I can apply my personal experience and contribute
to a client’s recovery and wellness gives me a sense of personal pride, which in turn,
strengthens my commitment to this profession.”
How a Personal Philosophy of Nursing Can Help Your Career
Your philosophy of nursing captures your intrinsic beliefs and goals within the nursing
profession. Defining your philosophy provides you with a deeper connection to those beliefs. It
can help shape you as a nurse and provide direction for which skills and specialties you want to
focus on strengthening. Your philosophy will play a role in every nursing job you have.
Your profession and experiences will continue to shape your philosophy, so it may change as
you progress in your career. That’s okay. Many nurses update their philosophy of nursing as
their insights and careers evolve.
Sources:
Mass Medical Staffing, “How A Personal Philosophy of Nursing Can Help Your Career,” March
15, 2018: https://www.masmedicalstaffing.com/2018/03/15/personal-philosophy-of-nursing/
