Operationalizing a nursing philosophy

A traditional philosophy statement can be transformed into a positioning statement that articulates a "vision" for a department of nursing and provides a framework when planning to thrive rather than merely survive in today's changing and competitive health care environment. Internal and external forces appropriately assessed enable nurse executives to empower staff to respond proactively to change and prepare for the future.     

The philosophy of psychiatric nursing

In this panoramic overview of the meanings of mental health care, Philip Barker maps out the birth (or rebirth) of the philosophy of psychiatric nursing. The time is ripe for a fundamental re-examination of the main premises and values of the nursing culture, and for the rejection of concepts which have outlived their usefulness. Returning the focus of psychiatric nursing to the identity of the person in care, the 'binding' of the nurse and patient, regardless of conventional and expected roles, is the most important issue on the psychiatric agenda. Dr. Barker's brilliant analysis challenges psychiatric nurses to review their own values and practices, and acts as a catalyst for change.     

Writing a philosophy of nursing?

Nurses in education and management settings are often required to write a philosophy for the facility In this paper, the use of the concept of'philosophy'in nursing education and nursing management is explored The nature of philosophy is then outlined, with specific reference to its relationship with a special science such as nursing In the light of this discussion, the real nature of the document that nursing authors call a'philosophy'is discussed The concepts of a life and world view and a mission statement are discussed in this regard Specific proposals are then made for nurses in approaching the task of producing this planning document     

A personal nursing philosophy in practice

The use of a nursing philosophy as the basis for nursing practice promotes the proper application of nursing knowledge as well as the development of further nursing theory and knowledge. My personal philosophy of nursing seeks to encompass the art of conveying nursing science holistically with compassion and dignity. To illustrate this nursing philosophy, the four nursing metaparadigm concepts are described in relation to nursing as both a science and an art. Nursing science and art are also discussed in relation to nursing as a profession. The concepts of family-centered care and developmental care highlight the practice of nursing as an art. The use of nursing knowledge in practice is discussed through the use of nursing's five ways of knowing, nursing theories, borrowed theories, and nursing's paradigms. The concept of the nurse scholar and the further development of nursing knowledge is identified as a priority. Supportive examples from my nursing experience working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are utilized to highlight the importance of nursing knowledge development and the provision of optimal patient care.