Philosophy of Nursing

 

After reading Chapter 3 and reviewing the lecture power point (located in lectures tab),  please answer the following questions.  Each question must have at least 3 paragraphs and you must use at 3 least references included in your post.

Additionally, you are expected to reply to two other students and include a reference that justifies your post.  Your reply must be at least 3 paragraphs.

Discussion questions:

1.  What are your beliefs about the major concepts in nursing- person, environment, health, nursing?

2. Do you believe there is more than one right answer to situations?  How do you value the whole individual?  What barriers prevent us from responding to the contextual needs of our patients?

APAon time

Chapter 3

Philosophy of Nursing

Philosophy

• Investigation of the nature, causes, or

principles of reality, knowledge, or values,

based on logical reasoning

• A system of thought based on such inquiry

• Critical analysis of fundamental assumptions

or beliefs

• A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular

field or activity; an underlying theory

Perspectives of Truth

• Classical
philosophers

• Theocratics

• Empiricists

• Rationalists

• Idealists

• Positivists

• Early existentialists

• Pragmatists

• Relativists

• Phenomenologists

• Existentialists

• Poststructuralists/

postmodernists

Continuum of Realism and

Idealism

Realism

• The world is static

• Seeing is believing

• The social world is a

given

• Reality is physical and

independent

• Logical thinking is

superior

Idealism

• The world is evolving

• There is more than

meets the eye

• The social world is

created

• Reality is a conception

perceived in the mind

• Thinking is dynamic and

constructive

Beliefs

• Three categories of

beliefs:

– Existential beliefs

– Evaluative beliefs

– Prescriptive/proscri

ptive beliefs

• What are your beliefs

about the major

concepts in nursing?

– Person

– Environment

– Health

– Nursing

Assertions Related to

Values

• Each person has a few

• All humans possess the same values

• People organize values into systems

• Values are developed in response to culture,

society, and personality

• Behaviors are manifestations or consequences

of values

Values

• Process of valuing involves 3 steps:

– Choosing values

– Prizing values

– Acting on values

Acquiring Values

• Must be chosen freely

• Must be selected from a list of alternatives

• Must have thoughtful consideration of each of

the outcomes of the alternatives

• Must be prized and cherished

• Must involve a willingness to make values

known to others

• Must precipitate action

• Must be integrated into lifestyle

Values Clarification

• Helps us to understand who we are

• Helps us to understand what is important to us

• Helps us to be more open to accepting others’

choice of values

Guide for Developing a Personal

Philosophy of Nursing (1 of 3)

• Introduction

– Who are you?

– Where do you practice nursing?

• Define nursing

– What is nursing?

– Why does nursing exist?

– Why do you practice nursing?

Guide for Developing a Personal

Philosophy of Nursing (2 of 3)

• What are your assumptions or underlying

beliefs about nurses, patients, other

healthcare providers, and communities?

• Define the major domains of nursing:

– Person
– Health
– Environment

Guide for Developing a Personal

Philosophy of Nursing (3 of 3)

• How are the domains connected?

• What is your vision of nursing for the

future?

• What are the challenges that you will face

as a nurse?

• What are your goals for professional

development?