Nursing in its most basic terms is not just the practice of providing physical care, but also the appreciation of life, pain, and recovery. Core to this knowledge is the development of the philosophy of nursing, which forms a basis of patient care and general professional growth. This goes hand in hand with the concept of Reflective Practice which is a perfect tool for the development, personal growth, and learning in healthcare organizations. In this article, the author discusses the importance of linkage between the aspects of nursing philosophy and the approaches to reflective practice as essential sources for formulating the purposes of the nursing field.
What does Nursing Philosophy Mean?
A nursing philosophy is a mission statement that gives an insight of N what the nurse believes, and or upholds about the nursing profession as well as the reason why the nurse wanted to be a nurse in the first place. This statement may include a nurse’s recognition of education, training, experience, philosophy to patient care as a personal and professional nurse, and nursing career aspirations. This needs to be carefully distinguished from the statements of nursing philosophy which can include questions that can be answered by any individual and may include what nursing means to you, what your perception of the attributes of an ideal nurse or what makes you a good nurse amongst other questions.
Reflections On The Definition of Nursing Philosophy
Personal nursing philosophy is integral to every practicing nurse. It is a strong consistent attitude that pervades all aspects of the nursing process and interpretation of human relationships within that setting. The philosophy of nursing can be explained as it comprises values such as care, empathy, dignity, and ethical practice as well as the patient. It is mainly because it directs the perception of nurses of their duties, the patients they deal with, and the part they play in society. Nursing has its philosophy attached to it, and, consequently, every nurse has her own philosophy of nursing. It is the sum total of their individual experience, ethnic predispositions, all they have learned in school, and their interactions at work. To some persons, it may refer to the philosophy of providing complete care to patients that encompasses the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects.
For others, it may focus on empirical practice whereby decisions that are made are informed by available scientific data and professional practice. Hence, whether care is delivered as technical performance or practical judgment, nursing philosophy acts as a map guiding nurses to deliver ethical patient-centered care.
The Role of Reflective Practice in Nursing
Nurse reflection refers to the assessment, deliberation, critical analysis, appraisal, and judgment of self as well as actions, behaviors, and feelings in order to become professional and ultimately to improve patient wellbeing. It informs people about the practice that is being done and leads to self-development and enhancement of practice in those organizations.
Integrating Class Content: Philosophy of Nursing and Reflective Model The philosophy of nursing is related to the reflective model. Nursing reflects on the model. Including experiences also enhances the general perception that philosophy aids the nurses in realizing the kind of philosophy required when addressing patients.
Integrating Nursing Philosophy and Reflective Practice
The internalization process assists the nurses to act appropriately, adjusting activities and actions as well as undertaking moves that are ethically responsive. Therefore, reflection promotes the quality of the care and delivery of services and even the philosophies of the nurses. Reflexivity in nursing: organizational models that could be used as reference.
Reflective Practice Models in Nursing
Several models are used in nurse reflection, including Gibbs’ Model of Reflection and Schön’s Model of Reflection: Some of them are as follows; Reflection in Action and Reflection on Action. I believe that the goal of these models is to suggest a frame of reference through which the nurses can evaluate encounters, emotions, and behaviors, and hence enhance the choices made as well as the health of patients.
The Impact of Reflective Practice on Patient Care
As for the advantages of reflective practice, it is argued that being reflective makes the nurses more conscious of what they are doing when attending to the patients. Besides it improves the level of communication that is done with the patients and aids in patient advocacy. It also increases an aspect of what might be considered the emotional intelligence of, not only the patients but also the nurses to be able to care for themselves and manage stress in such a nursing-sensitive area.
Challenges in Reflective Practice
Some possible challenges to reflective practice include but are not limited to lack of time is one of the inevitable realities of practicing in today’s world; The need to avoid emotions such as embarrassment and shame related to showing weakness. Some nurses may experience difficulties in owning up to an error or prejudice. Also, a lack of training in the use of reflective models can be a downside as well as a lack of knowledge in more models that can be used. To avoid these challenges, healthcare organizations must cultivate reflection. Nurses can practice reflective ways through the use of a mentor, peers’ discussions, and reflective journals. Including time for reflection in the workplace of the nurses can also help them in enhancing and accomplishing their personal as well as their professional development.
Conclusion
Nursing philosophy and reflective practice are central to the nursing profession since the philosophy influences the approaches and the practice of care. When personal values and beliefs align with the process of reflection, the nurses can be compassionate in the care they offer, and professional growth is promoted as well. Nurses can obtain additional training in bridge programs, and this integration just improves the strength of the nursing profession and patient care.
FAQs
This is a theoretical framework of a nurse that supplies him with his “theory of practice.
Critical reflection entails analyzing experiences and using outcomes for enhanced understanding as it fosters individual and career development.
Philosophy drives reflection and so does reflective practice Refines the philosophy so that the ability to care for the patient and grow as a professional is enhanced.
