The Philisopy of nursing practice

     The foundation of nursing practices is a genuine positive regard for a human being. From such basis, the practitioner develop a respect for his or her own personal dignity, which is reflected in his or her regard and care for another human being. He or she perceives his or her patient not as a carrier of disease, but as one person, within a family constellation, who is afflicted by physical and emotional pain. The nurse is cognizant of his or her patient's often unspoken distress in not fulfilling his or her social role.

     Such a worker cares for his or her patient directly in relieving emotional and physical pain. He or she provides for the continuity of care in his or her direction of other care workers, and his or her supervision of their activities. With an emphasis on maintaining the patient's health status, the nurse teachers the patient and the patient's family about the illness, what can be anticipated, how to care for the patient, and how to prevent such illness. These services are rendered not only in the hospital, but also at home, in the clinic, and in the newly established community health center.

     Involved with such a total philosophy of nursing care, the nurse plans his or her individuality for the patient, calling upon resource persons as necessary in meeting the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In realizing that the status of the patient will fluctuate, the home nurse continually reevaluates his or her progress and alters the plan of care accordingly. He or she must also continue to evaluate his or her own professional growth. He or she reads or attends workshops or enrolls in formal coursework to ensure learning and professional growth.

     The home caregiver's goal is to assist the patient to re-assume full independence within the latter's social framework. He or she is actively involved in forming a healthy community. The caregiver with such a philosophy of nursing practice is aware of, and genuinely respects, the integrity of the unique person who is his or her patient. Self-respect serves as an impetus to his or her continued growth as a professional person having a vital role in the community.