NURSING WITH HEART: MY PHILOSOPHY OF CARE (Essay Sample)

Nursing with Heart: My Philosophy of Care Hamisi Karisa Institutional affiliation Course number and name Instructor name 21/05/2025 Nursing with Heart: My Philosophy of Care Nursing is more than just a job—it is a mission rooted in compassion, trust, and service to others. My nursing journey has been shaped by personal experiences, moments of vulnerability, and the desire to make a real difference in other people's lives. I have understood that good nursing is not just about treatments or charts but about being present, listening, and showing up for others in their most challenging moments. Every patient brings their own story; how we care for them matters deeply. My nursing philosophy centers around the belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for within a safe environment that supports healing, guided by the core principles of person, environment, health, and nursing. Person I see each person as a whole being—someone with a story, relationships, struggles, and strengths. They are not just patients or cases, but individuals shaped by life experiences and personal values. When I care for someone, I try to meet them where they are, emotionally and physically. This belief aligns with the view that nursing should always center around the individual’s unique needs and identity (Masters, 2023). I also believe that care should honor cultural background, spiritual beliefs, and family dynamics, since all of these affect how someone experiences illness and healing. Person-centered care encourages nurses to listen deeply and treat each interaction as meaningful, which builds trust and improves outcomes (Burns et al., 2020). At the heart of my philosophy is the understanding that every person I care for deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with compassion, regardless of their background or condition. Environment The environment where care happens deeply affects how people heal. I believe that healing is not just about medicine—it is also about where someone is, who is around them, and how safe and supported they feel. A calm, respectful space can ease anxiety and build a sense of control for patients. According to Masters (2023), nurses help shape this environment by promoting dignity, calm, and safety in every interaction. Whether dimming harsh lights, allowing a loved one to stay, or simply being present, these small actions shape how a patient experiences their illness. Healing becomes more possible when the setting feels caring and human, even in challenging situations (Kalogirou et al., 2020). That is why I see the environment as an extension of the care itself—it matters just as much as any clinical treatment. The emotional and social environment is just as important as the physical space. Supportive relationships with family, care teams, and community can help people feel less alone. This emotional landscape plays a significant role in recovery, especially for those dealing with chronic or life-changing illnesses. Creating that sense of belonging is part of what we do as nurses. As Burns et al. (2020) explain, nurses often bridge the medical world and the patient's world, helping both sides connect with compassion. I have seen firsthand how much a kind word or an act of patience can change someone’s outlook. My philosophy is grounded in the belief that healing flourishes in environments filled with empathy, respect, and human connection—things every nurse has the power to foster. Health Health, to me, goes beyond not being sick. It is about how a person feels physically, mentally, and emotionally, and how these parts work together in daily life. I have learned that health means something different to each person, depending on their background, goals, and values. Some see it as managing pain, others as having energy to enjoy life. Masters (2023) explains that nurses are responsible for supporting patients wherever they are in their health journey, not just when they are ill. I believe in meeting people where they are and honoring what health means to them. This perspective allows me to treat people with more empathy and helps me guide them toward realistic, meaningful health goals—goals they believe in, not just what has been written on a chart. Health also includes the power to make choices. When people feel involved in decisions about their body and care, they gain a sense of control, and that control can lead to better outcomes. Burns et al. (2020) emphasize how shared decision-making builds trust and respect between patients and nurses. I have noticed that when patients are given space to speak, ask questions, and take part in planning their care, they become more engaged and hopeful. Health is not just something we treat—it is something we build together. I try to support each person’s journey, whether they are recovering, adjusting, or learning to live with a chronic condition. My nursing philosophy is rooted in the belief that health is deeply personal, and nurses are there to support and protect that personal meaning every step of the way. Nursing Nursing, for me, is a calling rooted in compassion and connection. It is more than a job—it is about being present for someone during their most vulnerable moments and helping them feel safe and cared for. Nursing requires clinical skills and emotional presence. Masters (2023) highlights that professional nursing is grounded in advocacy, empathy, and a commitment to holistic care. I believe true nursing happens when we listen fully, explain things clearly, and honor the dignity of every person. Whether taking vitals or sitting beside a patient, I understand my role as a guide and a steady hand through uncertainty. 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