Week 1 Discussion: Philosophy of Nursing Practice

Imagine the illustrated “cloud” in this image could represent your thoughts as you consider your nursing practice, your nursing experiences, and the influences that shape your attitudes and beliefs about nursing and health care. Then imagine other clouds within view that represent perspectives on nursing practice held by others—and that if this image were enlarged, the clouds would multiply, to signify the full complement of professionals with whom you interact in a health care setting. How would it benefit you, the success of those health care teams—and, most importantly, patient care—to have clarity on the foundational beliefs that guide your practice, and that of others?

For this first week, you will work toward achieving that clarity as you frame—or review, revise, expand on—your philosophy of nursing practice and engage with peers who have joined you in pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Through the Discussion this week, and the Assignment you will begin, you will articulate your philosophy of nursing practice as you look for insight into what shapes your philosophy and contrasting philosophies of others. That understanding can be invaluable in your future work as a DNP leader advocating for change—often difficult for individuals and organizations—that promotes positive outcomes for patients and the larger society.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Explain philosophy of nursing practice

Analyze factors that influence philosophy of nursing practice

Recommend strategies for social change advocacy for the role of the DNP

Contrast philosophies of nursing practice

Analyze middle range nursing theories in relation to philosophies of nursing practice

Analyze interdisciplinary theories in relation to philosophies of nursing practice