Abraham Maslows Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory that is a five-tier model of human needs and is depicted in a pyramid diagram (Hayre-Kwan et al., 2021). Starting from base to top is physiological needs, safety needs, belonging and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization (Maslow, 1943). This theory is often taught in nursing education programs but is a non-nursing theory. All tiers of this theory will be utilized in my Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) practice, but I believe safety aligns most closely with my philosophy of nursing. 

Safety is a basic human need and must be obtained before moving on to other psychological and self-fulfillment needs (Maslow, 1943). As an APRN, I will provide safety to my patients by protecting them from actual and potential harm. I want to make them feel safe with the care I provide and educate them sufficiently, so they feel confident in making decisions about their health. 

One of my main roles as an APRN will be to educate patients through health promotion and disease prevention. If I can help patients avoid disease and provide them with ways to maintain their health, then I can keep them safe from potential illness. Often, APRNs see patients who already have an illness, so they must provide safety through their expertise and treatment. For example, a patient comes to the clinic with a urinary tract infection (UTI). My priority is to diagnose and treat the infection to protect the patient from the potential harm of increased bacterial growth. In addition, providing teaching to prevent UTIs in the future and educating the patient on the importance of checkups and screenings are other ways to enhance safety. 

Continuity of care promotes patients feelings of safety. The more I can build rapport and relationships with patients, the more likely they will feel safe with me. This will allow them to be more open with their medical issues and allow me to provide more comprehensive care. As a future APRN, I am aware that my interactions with my patients will have an impact on their safety needs. For example, a study about the needs of hemodialysis patients in Taiwan using Maslows theory as the framework showed this. The results showed that one of the top 3 mental health needs that would allow the patients to feel safe and less scared of the treatment process was having an accommodating medical staff (Shih et al., 2018). 

Overall, Maslows Hierarchy of Needs theory aligns closely to my philosophy of nursing, and I feel strongly that safety needs will be an especially important component of my practice.