Time is winding down (doesn't it just fly?) before graduation for our Last Semester columnist, Chelsea. In her last few installments, she has taken us through her search for a job and her thoughts after attending the National Student Nurses' Association convention in Grapevine, TX. Today, she dives into her own personal nursing philosophy. How does it compare to yours?

This past semester, we were given the task of defining our own nursing philosophy. At the time, I had no idea what a nursing philosophy was, but I quickly learned that every nurse and healthcare facility has one. It is just something that promotes good nursing care, a standard to practice. I talked to a number of different nurses and asked them what their philosophies were; many used the ideas of caring and holistic care. The idea of taking care of the whole mind, body, and soul was a big part of it for many. It was kind of difficult for me to think back on all that I have learned here in nursing school and extract the key elements that I find most important. I had no idea where to begin and what I believed to be the core of nursing.

A lot of interviews, I'm told, ask nurses to sum up their nursing goals in three words. I couldn't imagine putting everything that I learned or believed in into only three words. I got to thinking about caring and taking care of the whole person. I also thought about patient safety and confidentiality. That was more than three words.

But we had an NCLEX review last week and our instructor gave us this: maximize patient potential. This pretty much summed up how I felt, and helped me to develop my philosophy. I have included it here so you can read it:

I feel that nurses should take pride in their profession, to realize this not just a career but also a way of life. Nurses need to be patient and understanding when teaching patients about medications and procedures. Patient education should be the center focus for nurses to promote healing. We need to be able to advocate for their rights and for the best care possible. Nurses should be autonomous and willing to work with all areas of the healthcare system. Staff education and research are a core concept in the advancement of the nursing professional. Patients should always be safe and never feel like they are in danger. As nurses, we must take care of a patient not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. We need to be culturally confident while delivering holistic care. Family-centered care should be used in all instances when needed. The bottom line: The nurse should always put the patient's needs first to maximize patient potential.
     
It is a good idea to start thinking about what your personal philosophy is even if you aren't about to graduate. If you go on any hospital Web site, you can find that hospital's philosophy, which may trigger some points you never thought about.
     
I hope this helped some of you with your personal philosophies, but if it didn't, please feel free to write comments and ask me any questions! I am always looking for input!

Editor's note: Chelsea is a senior nursing student at small liberal arts college 20 miles outside of Boston. Her column "Last Semester" appears weekly, exclusively on StressedOutNurses.com. Write to her at editor@stressedoutnurses.com.