Professional Identity Assignment Part 2

 

Andrew W. Evans
Galen University College of Nursing NUR 3050: Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Dr. Workman February 11, 2024



Professional Identity
A professional identity helps us as nurses build our confidence in becoming bachelor’s degree-holding nurses. Your identity as a nurse defines what kind of nurse you are. This philosophy will help me grow and understand my strengths and weaknesses as a nurse and help me better understand what I can improve on in my career. I will discuss my reason for joining the nursing profession, my philosophy on nursing, my strengths and weaknesses of being a nurse, and my transition to a baccalaureate role.



The Reason I Chose Nursing
I became a nurse because of my love for caring for others in their worst moments. If you had asked me when I was a kid what I wanted to do for my career, I would have said I wanted to become a firefighter. I quickly realized that becoming a firefighter was not for me, but I wanted to do something to help others. I learned about a volunteer program at Lawnwood Hospital over the summer and thought it would be an excellent opportunity to learn about working in a hospital. During that summer, I quickly realized I wanted to become a nurse. Seeing how nurses interact with their patients and make them smile and feel better at their patients' lowest moments pushed me toward nursing. What made me lean towards cardiac nursing was my grandpa. In 2012, he had quadruple heart bypass surgery, and the surgeon and nurses who took care of him were all amazing. Today I am working on the cardiac stepdown unit that my grandpa was in after his surgery. My love for nursing is growing daily, and I love seeing the smiles on my patients' faces when caring for them.

My journey into nursing was also influenced by the profound impact that healthcare professionals had on my family. My grandfather’s battle with heart disease and his subsequent quadruple bypass surgery in 2012 left a lasting impression on me. The dedication, skill, and compassion demonstrated by his healthcare team inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a similar difference in people’s lives. Today, I am privileged to work on the same cardiac stepdown unit where my grandfather was treated, and it is deeply fulfilling to contribute to the recovery and well-being of my patients.

In addition to my personal experiences, the diverse opportunities within the nursing profession further solidified my decision. Nursing is a dynamic field with a wide range of specialties and career paths. From critical care and emergency nursing to community health and education, the possibilities are vast and varied. This diversity ensures that there is always room for growth and advancement, allowing nurses to continually develop their skills and explore new areas of interest.



Philosophy for Nursing
My philosophy for nursing is to provide excellent service to my community and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. I was raised in a household where we tried to help those in need whenever possible. This upbringing instilled in me the importance of compassion, empathy, and service. As a nurse, I strive to embody these values in my daily practice. I believe that every patient deserves high-quality care, respect, and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. My goal is to be a nurse who not only treats illnesses but also supports patients emotionally and mentally.

The core of my nursing philosophy is centered on holistic care. Holistic nursing is a practice that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease. It encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of care, recognizing that each aspect of a person’s life can influence their health and well-being. This approach is grounded in the belief that health is more than the absence of illness; it is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

To provide holistic care, I emphasize the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with my patients. Effective communication is key to understanding their needs, preferences, and concerns. By actively listening and showing empathy, I can create a supportive environment where patients feel valued and understood. This not only enhances their overall experience but also promotes better health outcomes.

Advocacy is another fundamental aspect of my nursing philosophy. Nurses have a responsibility to advocate for their patients' rights and needs, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. This involves speaking up for patients, ensuring they receive appropriate care, and helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Advocacy also extends to promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health that can impact patients' well-being.