Personal Approach to Professional Nursing Practice
Introduction
In the field of nursing, each individual has their personal approach to professional practice. This approach is shaped by various factors including one’s philosophy, conceptual framework, theory, middle-range theory, and personal beliefs and values. Additionally, one’s communication style plays a crucial role in their ability to collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team. In this paper, I will describe my personal approach to professional nursing practice by addressing these criteria.
Philosophy/Conceptual Framework/Theory/Middle-Range Theory
The philosophy/conceptual framework/theory/middle-range theory that describes nursing in the way I think about it is the Biopsychosocial Model. The Biopsychosocial Model, developed by George Engel in the 1970s, recognizes that health and illness are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors (Engel, 1977). This framework aligns with my belief that nursing is a holistic discipline that considers the interconnectedness of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of an individual’s well-being.
Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model helps organize my thoughts for critical thinking and decision-making in nursing practice. When assessing and planning care for a patient, I consider their biological factors such as their physical health, any chronic illnesses, and medications they may be taking. I also consider the psychological factors such as their mental health, emotional well-being, and coping mechanisms. Finally, I take into account the social factors such as their support system, living environment, and socioeconomic status. By utilizing this framework, I am able to develop comprehensive and individualized care plans that address all aspects of the patient’s health.
Personal Definition of Nursing, Person, Health, and Environment
My personal definition of nursing is the art and science of caring for individuals, families, and communities to promote, maintain, and restore health. Nursing involves providing holistic care that encompasses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. It also involves advocating for the rights and well-being of patients, promoting health education, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Person, in the context of nursing, refers to individuals, families, and communities. Each person is unique and has their own needs, values, and goals. As a nurse, it is important to recognize and respect the individuality of each person and provide patient-centered care that addresses their specific needs.
Health is a dynamic state of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is not merely the absence of disease but rather a state of optimal functioning and well-being. As a nurse, my role is to promote and support the health of individuals, families, and communities through preventive care, health promotion, and disease management.
Environment plays a significant role in health and well-being. It encompasses both the physical and social aspects of one’s surroundings. The physical environment includes factors such as air quality, access to healthcare facilities, and living conditions, while the social environment includes factors such as social support, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic status. As a nurse, I strive to identify and address environmental factors that may influence an individual’s health and work towards creating a supportive and empowering environment for my patients.
Beliefs and Values about Nursing
Two beliefs and/or values about nursing that guide my practice are the importance of compassion and patient advocacy. Compassion is the foundation of nursing care. It involves showing empathy, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. By approaching my practice with compassion, I am able to establish therapeutic relationships with my patients and provide them with the emotional support they need.
Patient advocacy is another core belief that drives my practice. Advocacy involves speaking up and taking actions on behalf of my patients to ensure their rights are respected, their needs are met, and their voices are heard. It involves promoting informed decision-making, respecting autonomy, and addressing any barriers that may impede the patient’s ability to receive quality care.
Analyzing Communication Style
To analyze my communication style, I utilized the Assertiveness Communication Style tool presented in the course. The Assertiveness Communication Style is characterized by expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a direct and respectful manner while also being open to listening to others. This style promotes effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
One strength associated with my assertiveness communication style is that it allows me to effectively communicate my ideas, concerns, and expectations to the interdisciplinary team. This helps ensure that everyone involved in the patient’s care is on the same page and working towards a common goal. Additionally, being assertive enables me to advocate for my patients and communicate their needs and preferences to other healthcare professionals.
However, one weakness associated with my communication style is that it may be perceived as aggressive or confrontational by some individuals. In situations where conflict arises or in highly stressful situations, my assertiveness can sometimes come across as overly assertive or forceful. This can potentially hinder effective collaboration and communication within the interdisciplinary team.
The impact of my communication style on my ability to collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team can be both positive and negative. On one hand, my assertiveness allows me to effectively communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, leading to improved patient outcomes. On the other hand, the perception of my assertiveness as aggressive or confrontational may create tension or hinder effective teamwork. Therefore, I recognize the importance of being mindful of my communication style and adapting it as necessary to promote collaboration and maintain positive working relationships within the interdisciplinary team.
