This document outlines the author's philosophy of nursing. It states that nursing is a lifelong journey of learning about history, science, practices and laws to continually improve care. It also involves understanding patients' individual differences in culture, spirituality, values, gender and age to provide holistic care. Additionally, nurses must learn about themselves to ensure personal biases do not impact patient-centered care. The author believes nursing embodies unconditional love by putting patients first and demonstrating compassion, even for strangers, which requires a depth of character and true sense of love for others.

1. This I believe philosophy statement.
Submitted by Richard Christiana, Nursing Issues, Spring 2016
Nursing as a career is a life-long journey of learning that begins with the decision to
become a nurse. It is learning about the history, sciences, practices, and laws that govern
the practice of nursing. Nursing is continually evolving and it is a duty to continually learn
the changes and apply them to daily practice. Learning is not simply education, but a
process of caring enough to better yourself in order to insure that you provide the greatest
positive impact on a client’s health.
Nursing is learning about others and understanding the differences that present in
our clients. Understanding the differences in cultures, spirituality, values, gender and age
of our clients is paramount to providing quality care. These are qualities that make up our
clients as individuals. Having an understanding of these differences enable us to treat the
body, mind and spirit, which represent the whole person, and not just see them as a
particular illness or another task to perform.
Nursing is also learning about our selves as individuals. Our thoughts and beliefs
may govern the way we live our own lives but have no place in the lives of others. In order
to provide the best care for others, it is best to know your own biases, beliefs, and
limitations to insure the client is the focus and not our own personal ideals. Nurses face
daily challenges to their beliefs, but through understanding our selves, we can best
understand others. Understanding others is the enabler of compassion and empathy,
central to our purpose.

2. Nursing is the embodiment of unconditional love. There is no greater expression of
love than to put yourself aside and care for a stranger as you would care for yourself or
family. Demonstrating understanding, commitment, advocacy and compassion on a daily
basis for others that may never enter your life again requires a depth of soul that is not
commonplace. It requires a true and real sense of love. Ultimately, it is through love that
we are able to understand, care for, and educate others. It is through love that we continue
to dedicate our selves and lives to the health and well being of others. It is through love of
others that we truly find, and understand, ourselves. This, I believe.