Nursing Philosophy and Career Development Plan

Philosophy of Nursing

Nursing plays an integral role in the daily lives of countless individuals. As defined by the International Council of Nurses, nursing is "the profession and practice of providing care for the sick and infirm." Populations around the world — and in Japan in particular — are aging quite rapidly. Baby Boomers, individuals born between 1946 and 1964, are reaching retirement age and, as they grow older, will typically become more prone to illness and other detrimental health conditions. Accordingly, the importance of nursing in the coming years will be even more profound (1).

It is my belief that I can meaningfully contribute to the philosophy of providing care to those in need. I am very interested in helping others achieve their health-related goals, and in accordance with this philosophy I am preparing myself to become the best caregiver and provider I can be. Nursing also provides an important safeguard against our own health-related failings and misconceptions. In many instances, it is not the environment but our own behavior that causes the sicknesses we experience. Our eating habits, inactive lifestyles, and preference for convenience all contribute to poor health outcomes.

The nursing profession is essential for addressing these widespread health challenges as more individuals fall ill due to lifestyle choices that are detrimental to their own wellbeing. Each year in America, more individuals lose their lives to obesity-related illnesses. Strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and obesity collectively contribute to millions of deaths annually — and what is particularly disheartening is that many of these deaths could be prevented through simple lifestyle adjustments. This is why the nursing profession is so important (2). Nurses possess the specialized knowledge needed to help prevent millions of deaths each year. Without them, society's health and wellbeing would be in serious jeopardy.

Professional Goals and Objectives

Like many individuals, my goals are both ambitious and purposeful. My primary desire is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I understand that substantial training and practice are required to achieve this, and my goals and objectives are therefore focused on incremental growth throughout my overall training.

My first goal is to successfully complete all required training within five years, studying and practicing tirelessly to accomplish this. Equally important is a networking goal: I intend to meet or develop a professional relationship with at least one executive per month who holds a position I would like to attain in the future. This is valuable for multiple reasons. First, I will gain direct insight into the specific demands of that role from someone with a thorough understanding of what it entails — knowledge I can use to determine whether a particular position is right for me. Second, by developing a network of contacts in senior positions, I create the conditions for meaningful mentorship relationships (3) that will help me navigate career-related challenges as they arise.

My personal strengths are patient-centered in nature. As noted above, I have a genuine passion for helping others, and passion is vital to success in the healthcare profession. Lives will inevitably be lost and saved in the course of my career, and passion enables me to navigate the trials and tribulations that will certainly come. I also possess strong oral and written communication skills, allowing me to communicate effectively with both leadership and peers to accomplish shared goals. Additionally, I have strong leadership instincts that are well suited to the nursing industry. I enjoy working alongside skilled individuals from diverse and innovative backgrounds — something the nursing profession makes possible every day.

Strengths, Deficiencies, and Supportive Forces

An area for growth in my personal skill set is patience. I often become impatient with activities that do not produce immediate results. In nursing, patience is crucial, as a client will frequently need significant time to cope with a loss or to make an important decision. I have worked to address this deficiency by listening more attentively to others' needs and by practicing empathy. Empathy allows me to better understand the circumstances an individual may be experiencing and, in turn, to be more patient with particular outcomes.

The forces that support career development include peers, mentors, career management services, and professional organizations. Together, these resources allow an individual to further develop the skills required for success in a given profession. In nursing, public speaking is one such skill, as nurses are regularly called upon to explain aspects of illness and treatment to prospective patients and families. These supportive forces also create valuable networking opportunities for individuals who are proactive about their careers.

Ironically, a major obstacle in regard to my future career plans is other nurses already active within the profession. These individuals typically have more experience than I do, creating a competitive environment for available positions. Furthermore, budget cuts and financial constraints in healthcare mean that spending on nursing roles may remain limited, though this reduction will be partially offset by the increased demand for nurses driven by the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.