In this section, you will discuss self-concept as it relates to your philosophy of nursing.
Discuss the professional characteristics that support your self-concept. Who are you because of
your beliefs and responsibility for others in your professional practice? Make sure to address
the professional characteristics support self-concept. Consider characteristics such as: integrity,
courage, positive attitude, initiative, energy and enthusiasm, optimism, perseverance, work/life
balance (Blais & Hayes, 2016). Identify strengths, fears, and weaknesses that shape your self
concept. How do gaps in knowledge influence your self-concept? For example, think about
how a gap in knowledge might influence taking the initiative in a clinical or professional
situation. How does your self-concept impact your personal philosophy of nursing? Provide
two to three specific professional examples. For example, I could discuss how views on energy
and enthusiasm (or lack thereof) and work/life balance impact my personal philosophy that a
nurse educator constructs a positive learning environment, enabling student learning and
success.
Values Where do values originate? Who teaches values? Can values remain consistent in one’s
current professional life? Do your personal values and professional life every conflict? What
values and beliefs collectively formulate a personal philosophy of nursing that informs and
shapes practice behaviors? Give examples. How do personal values and beliefs affect decision
making processes? Use the ANA Code of Ethics and ICN Code of Ethics to support the
discussion.
In this section, you will need to look at your ANA Code of Ethics and the ICN Code of
Ethics. For example, Provision 1 states “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the
inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person” (American Nurses Association
[ANA], 2015, p. 1). Think about how your values relating to compassion, respect, trust, and
dignity impact your decision-making process with patients. The International Council of Nurses
MY PHILOSOPHY 5
(ICN) Code of Ethics (2012) has four elements. Review these elements and use them to support
your thoughts in this section.
Culture In nursing practice, what does culturally diverse nursing care mean? How does
ethnocentrism affect nursing practice? Make sure to clearly define and discuss these terms in
light of how they affect nursing and your professional practice.
Nursing Model What nursing theory, nursing model, or nursing framework supports your personal
philosophy of nursing? Understand that the terms theory, model, and framework are often
used interchangeably. Describe the nursing theory, model, or framework and identify key
characteristics. Provide two or three examples of how the nursing theory, model, or
framework aligns with your personal philosophy of nursing.