Nursing Theory and Personal Philosophy of Nursing

Personal Philosophy of Nursing

Nursing theory

My personal philosophy of nursing

One nursing theory which resonates with me and has influenced my personal philosophy of nursing is that of Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model. Pender's concept of nursing is linked to patient self-empowerment and the need for the nurse to work closely with the patient to optimize the patient's state of health. The model defines health as "a positive dynamic state not merely the absence of disease" (Health promotion model, 2012, Current Nursing). It is specifically designed to overcome perceived obstacles in the patient's eyes that can inhibit the ability of the patient to promote his or her own health.

For example, some patients believe that they are incapable of changing their diet and exercise habits because they are too poor/old / don't have enough willpower, and think that the ill health caused by obesity and inactivity is an inevitability. Patients must perceive the benefits of change and also perceive ways they can change, regardless of the immediate barriers that might exist. The tenants of Pender's philosophy are that: "persons commit to engaging in behaviors from which they anticipate deriving personally valued benefits; perceived barriers can constrain commitment to action, a mediator of behavior as well as actual behavior" (Health promotion model, 2012, Current Nursing). I always try to communicate to the patient 1. What he or she can do to improve his or her own health and 2. Work with the patient to make such actions achievable. I also try to be positive and supportive in my attitude and demeanor.

My philosophy derives from the fact that I have noted that very often patients may be inconsistent with medications and treatments if they do not understand the mechanisms by which these treatments take place. For example, they might stop taking an antibiotic once they feel better, even though it is necessary to take the medication for two weeks to thoroughly eradicate the disease and prevent future antibiotic resistance. The process of being diagnosed with diabetes or another chronic health condition that requires regular self-treatment and monitoring is also frightening and patient outcomes are highly dependent upon the patient's ability to provide effective self-care on a day-to-day-basis. If the patient is living in a chaotic or stressful situation, this can be impossible, and the nurse must take culturally and socially sensitive actions to remedy this.

It should be noted that Pender's concept is not necessarily applicable in all situations, such as when a person is chronically ill and cannot engage in basic self-care. However, in my experience, in most instances, the ability to give some form of self-care is very empowering for the patient and patients like to have some sense of autonomy over their bodies within their current level of health capabilities. Patients often feel frightened because they feel they have lost control due to illness, and by helping the patient set health goals, a nurse can create a new sense of healing autonomy.