This paper develops a personal philosophy of nursing by examining the four core concepts of the nursing metaparadigm: nursing, person, environment, and health. Drawing on definitions from theorists such as Rogers, Nightingale, and the World Health Organization, the paper explores how these concepts align with the mission, vision, and beliefs of Hackensack Meridian Health. It then presents the author's own definitions of each metaparadigm concept, followed by a personal nursing philosophy that integrates patient-centered care, ethical practice, holistic health, and a commitment to continuous professional development guided by theories including Watson's Theory of Human Caring and Benner's Novice to Expert model.
This paper demonstrates the technique of theoretical synthesis applied to personal reflection. Rather than simply summarizing nursing theories, the author uses them as a scaffolding framework, progressively building toward original definitions and a cohesive personal philosophy. This approach — moving from external authority to internalized application — is a hallmark of professional identity development writing in health sciences education.
The paper has six sections: an introduction previewing the paper's arc; a metaparadigm section defining nursing, person, environment, and health through key theorists; a compare-and-contrast section mapping those concepts onto Hackensack Meridian Health's stated mission and beliefs; a section presenting the author's own definitions of each concept; a personal philosophy section integrating theory and values; and a brief conclusion. References follow APA format throughout.
This paper focuses on the fundamental concepts within the field of nursing, particularly through the lens of the nursing metaparadigm, which includes nursing, person, environment, and health. It begins by examining and elaborating on these key concepts, drawing upon definitions from renowned nursing theorists and literature. It then explores how these concepts are mirrored in the philosophy, mission, and vision of a specific healthcare organization, Hackensack Meridian Health, highlighting the alignment between organizational values and nursing principles.
The paper then transitions into a more personal interpretation of these concepts, offering individualized definitions for nursing, person, environment, and health. Building upon this foundation, the paper culminates in the articulation of a personal philosophy of nursing. This philosophy integrates the previously defined concepts and is guided by values such as patient-centered care, ethical practice, and a commitment to continuous learning. It is informed and supported by established nursing theories and models. In short, this personal philosophy sees nursing as both a science and an art in the approach to patient care.
Nursing, as defined by Alligood in Nursing Theorists and Their Work, encompasses the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, the prevention of illness and injury, the alleviation of suffering, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations (Alligood, 2018). This comprehensive definition highlights the diverse roles of nursing, which include health promotion, disease prevention, and patient advocacy, underscoring its commitment to holistic patient care.
The concept of person in nursing is central to patient care and is intricately defined by Rogers in Nursing: Science of Unitary, Irreducible, Human Beings: Updated Edition. Rogers (1992) views the person as a "unitary being," emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects (p. 25). This perspective underscores the integrity and individuality of each patient, necessitating personalized and comprehensive care.
Nightingale's theory, as outlined in her seminal work Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not, presents the environment as a critical factor in health and recovery. According to Nightingale (1860), environmental factors — including physical, psychological, and social conditions — significantly influence the health and well-being of individuals. Her theory has been foundational in nursing, highlighting how nursing care can actively modify the environment to promote healing and recovery.
The World Health Organization's definition of health, as stated in the Preamble to its Constitution, goes beyond the mere absence of disease or infirmity. Health is described as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being (WHO, 1948). This definition illuminates the holistic nature of health, recognizing the importance of not only physical well-being but also the mental and social dimensions of a person's life.
Mission: "Transform health care and be recognized as the leader of positive change."
The mission statement expresses the organization's core purpose and function. For Hackensack Meridian Health, the focus is on transforming health care — not merely participating in the healthcare industry, but actively seeking to change it for the better. Being recognized as a leader in positive change also reflects an ambition to set standards across the healthcare sector.
Vision: "Innovation is in our DNA, compelling us to create a world where: the highest quality care is human-centered, accessible, and affordable; we deliver outcomes that matter most; and excellence is the standard."
The vision provides a forward-looking statement about what the organization aspires to achieve. It is more aspirational and long-term than the mission. Hackensack Meridian Health's vision emphasizes innovation and sets high standards for quality, accessibility, affordability, and excellence in healthcare. It points to a future where healthcare is not just a service but a well-integrated, human-centered experience.
Beliefs:
1. Creative: "I will do my part to make things better."
2. Courageous: "I will do the right thing."
3. Compassionate: "I am the human experience."
4. Collaborative: "I embrace teamwork."
5. Connected: "I am part of something bigger."
These beliefs act as guiding principles that inform how the organization and its members should conduct themselves. They emphasize creativity, courage, compassion, collaboration, and a sense of connection — qualities that go beyond standard workplace protocols. In short, Hackensack Meridian Health calls upon nurses to exercise the art of nursing alongside the science of nursing, reflecting a holistic approach to healthcare that transcends mere medical treatment.
In relation to Marchuk's (2014) A Personal Nursing Philosophy in Practice and Smith and Parker's Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice, these components align with several key concepts in nursing practice. The organization's emphasis on creativity and innovation aligns with the development of nursing as both an art (creative, compassionate) and a science (innovative, outcome-driven). The beliefs also reflect an understanding of nursing that goes beyond technical knowledge to include ethical and interpersonal dimensions, while the holistic approach embedded in the vision aligns with nursing models that consider the full spectrum of human experience in healthcare.
Hackensack Meridian Health's mission to transform healthcare and be recognized as a leader of positive change resonates strongly with the broader definition of nursing. The organization's commitment to innovation and quality care aligns with the nursing metaparadigm's emphasis on optimizing health and advocating for patients. This reflects a shared dedication to advancing healthcare and prioritizing patient well-being — central tenets of nursing practice.
In terms of the concept of person, Hackensack Meridian Health's belief in compassionate care and its view of the person as a unified whole mirrors the nursing metaparadigm's perspective. This approach recognizes the individual not merely as a patient with physical needs, but as a holistic being with mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions — consistent with the nursing profession's commitment to comprehensive, personalized care that respects each patient's integrity and individuality.
Regarding environment, the organization's emphasis on teamwork and being part of something larger indicates a deep understanding of environment as extending beyond physical space. This perspective acknowledges the social and relational factors that significantly impact health, in line with Nightingale's environmental theory. It highlights the importance of creating supportive and collaborative settings that can positively influence patient care and outcomes.
Finally, the organization's vision of delivering outcomes that matter most and setting excellence as the standard echoes the World Health Organization's holistic definition of health. This vision moves beyond a traditional focus on the absence of disease to embrace a broader understanding of health, including physical, mental, and social well-being — paralleling the nursing metaparadigm's inclusive approach to health and wellness.
Overall, Hackensack Meridian Health's philosophy, mission, and vision demonstrate a harmonious alignment with the nursing metaparadigm's core concepts. Both emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare, underscoring the importance of individualized care, supportive environments, and a broad understanding of health that transcends physical well-being.
My personal philosophy of nursing resonates with the nursing metaparadigm as well as the mission, vision, and beliefs of Hackensack Meridian Health. My goal is to treat every patient as unique and to adopt a patient-centered approach grounded in continuous learning. This philosophy is supported by both theory and practice and gives full weight to the art and science of nursing.
Alligood, M. R. (2018). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Marchuk, A. (2014). A personal nursing philosophy in practice. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 20(6), 266–273.
Nightingale, F. (1860). Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not. Harrison.
Rogers, M. E. (1992). Nursing: Science of Unitary, Irreducible, Human Beings: Updated Edition. Springer Publishing Company.
World Health Organization. (1948). Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19–22 June, 1946.
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.