This essay aims to contemplate my personal opinions, principles, and ethics concerning my practice as a nurse. My definition of nursing is the “practice or occupation involving the provision of medical care to the sick, prevention of infection and injury, as well advocacy for optimization of public health” (American Nursing Association, 2017). My nursing ideologies are aligned with the core principles of the profession which support the respect for the autonomy and dignity of patients. In that perspective, practicing nurses should assist patients to recover from illnesses and injuries by applying their nursing beliefs and professional skills acquired during training and education. That said, apart from discussing my reason for choosing nursing, this paper will describe the essence of nursing, and my beliefs and values concerning this profession. Lastly, this essay also discusses my plans as a nurse.

Choice of Nursing

Since I was in elementary school, I have always wanted to be a nurse. There are many reasons why I chose this profession. Firstly, I enjoy making a difference in other people’s lives. This career allows one to avert death, alleviate human suffering, bring joy to patients and their families, and comfort those in pain. Both facets of nursing offer opportunities to achieve these objectives, including intensive care units, operating and emergency rooms (ERs) among others. Moreover, nursing offers diverse career opportunities. A certified nurse can work in schools, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Besides, the challenges that come with this profession motivated me to practice nursing. I love challenges. The situation inside a hospice setting is dynamic, and anything can happen at any time. For example, a patient can recover from serious illness unexpectedly, or the emergency room can become full of patients without warning. Therefore, such conditions require nurses to multitask and am good at multitasking.

Essence of Nursing

I believe the core of nursing entails two fundamental paradigms, including knowledge and caring. In interpreting these concepts, knowledge denotes the science of nursing while caring signifies the art of nursing (Kin, 2015). The two variables function together, and neither overrides the other concerning significance. The art of nursing is a core principle that became popular during the Victorian era. This movement was propelled by dedicated public health activists, notably Florence Nightingale, who began to advocate for issues like proper sanitation and the control of immediate hospice surroundings. Furthermore, current innovations in the medical field inspired by these pioneers are helping to stimulate appropriate care practices by nurses.

However, this modern and efficient type of care can only be achieved by imparting the necessary knowledge into nurses. A practicing nurse is expected to apply empirical knowledge, ethical understanding, and essential knowledge to assess a situation and recommend appropriate action. Practical knowledge entails quantitative assessment, prediction, and explanation of facts, while ethics are the nurse’s moral values. Intrinsic knowing encompasses the capacity to understand a patient and develop a mutual relationship with him or her to enhance healing. Knowledge of oneself also belongs to this category.

Beliefs and Values

My perspective about patients aligns with the stipulations in the code of ethics of nursing. Firstly, I believe patients are frail and vulnerable people. Still, their status does not imply that they lack human rights. I  respect a patient’s inherent dignity. Every human being is entitled to health care regardless of individual differences. I also believe he patients, just like any other human being, has the right to self-determination. They have the moral and legal right to willingly consent to any form of treatment or care transfer (Master, 2018).

Also, I believe the patients’ families are necessary parties in the health care process. They have the right to take part in making crucial medical decisions. In some cases, nurses may experience conflict arising from different constancies during an encounter with family members. Therefore, they should examine their inherent and professional values, as well as the beliefs of the other parties who are responsible for patient care and health care decisions. Additionally, I believe my colleagues abide by the nursing code of ethics when partaking their daily obligations. I think they’re professionals capable of making appropriate decisions independently. Thus, they require minimal or no supervision. Lastly, I believe I am a healthy person who embraces healthy eating habits and routine exercise.

A vision for the Future

In two years, I will be advocating for the adoption of new models of health care worker/provider. For instance, I will work with trauma centers to develop mobile applications that will provide nurses in ERs with details about patients’ conditions before their arrival at the hospitals. In 2024, I will be pursuing my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In ten years, I will be working as a Nurse Anesthetist (NA) in a government hospital.

Summary

I have several strengths that will support the achievements of my professional goals. Firstly, I possess empathy and compassion for others. Nurses encounter patients with different health issues such as mental illness and physical injury. Therefore, it is necessary to understand them before judging their character. Also, I am a good time manager. My profession requires vigilance and proper time management because someone’s life might be in danger. This feature will help me to discharge my duties effectively.

Conversely, I exhibit some limitations that I must overcome to achieve my professional goals. For example, I develop stress and anxiety when I do not meet my deadline. This weakness lowers my self-esteem, and I feel like an underachiever, even though I am hardworking. Besides, I lack patience. This shortcoming primarily manifests when I am eager to achieve an objective. I am restless during such moments, and this may infuriate my colleagues. Therefore, I must overcome this shortcoming to be a proactive, inventive and successful nurse.

 
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