Nursing MSN & DNP

| 21 January 2024

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Nursing Philosophy: What It is, Examples & Concepts

Nursing Philosophy: What It is, Examples & Concepts

As a current or aspiring nurse, you may have beliefs about what nursing means. A philosophy of nursing helps you identify the values and theories that shape the choices you make each day.

Several instructors at our School of Nursing at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) ask their students to write a philosophy of nursing. This task challenges students to think critically about their field. So, what is a nursing philosophy?

What Is a Nursing Philosophy?

A personal nursing philosophy is a statement that outlines a nurse’s values, ethics and beliefs, as well as their motivation for being part of the profession. It covers a nurse’s perspective regarding their education, practice and patient care ethics.1 A philosophy of nursing helps you identify the beliefs and theories that shape your daily professionalism .

How Do I Write My Nursing Philosophy?

To write your nursing philosophy, start by asking yourself these questions and jotting down your answers:

  1. Why do I or did I want to become a nurse?
  2. Why is nursing important to me?
  3. What are my beliefs about nursing?
  4. What are my theories of nursing?
  5. What qualities make a great nurse?
  6. What skills should every nurse have?
  7. Which values are important to nurses?

These questions can help you identify your values and beliefs. Then, when you’re ready to start writing your philosophy of nursing, follow the steps below.

1. Define what nursing means to you.

Begin your nursing philosophy by identifying what nursing means to you. Why did you choose nursing rather than another profession?

2. Add a personal story to your philosophy of nursing that expands on your values and skills.

Consider adding a story from your life to your nursing philosophy that touches on your passion for the profession. Include insight into the traits and values that apply to nursing.

3. Include how you plan to impact society through nursing.

Do you plan to use nursing as a tool for positive social change? If so, in what areas? Highlight the big picture you have for yourself and the world around you in your nursing philosophy.

4. Highlight any values and skills that are important to you.

From communication to compassion, list the skills that mean the most to you, and why, in your nursing philosophy. Explore how you plan to use them in future experiences.

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What is an Example of a Nursing Philosophy?

Florence Nightingale developed a foundational nursing philosophy example that is in place today. She theorized that the environment of the patient should be changed to allow for nature to work on the patient.

Most personal nursing philosophies are typically a few paragraphs long. To give you a sense of how they read, here are some quotes from nursing philosophy examples crafted by real nurses:

  • Carolann Mclawrence: “I strive to be an educator, an advocate and a promoter of disease awareness, good health practices, and a supporter of strong family values within the community and the world.”2
  • Megan McGaham: Nursing is “rooted in a commitment to public service and the undeniable desire to help those in need. Nursing is more than treating an illness; rather it is focused on delivering quality patient care that is individualized to the needs of each patient.”3
  • Joanne de Guia-Rayos: “Active participation with others is needed to provide compassionate and ethical patient care in a healing environment. Quality care for patients requires reciprocity with those whom nurses can professionally identify with. Collaboration is a moral that reinforces the commitment to the common goal of a patient’s welfare.”3

Why Is Philosophy Important in a Nursing Career?

Your philosophy of nursing captures your intrinsic beliefs and goals within the nursing profession. Answering the question, “What is a nursing philosophy,” provides you with a deeper connection to those beliefs. It can help shape you as a nurse and provide direction for which skills and nursing role specialties you want to strengthen. Your nursing philosophy will play a role in every job you have.

Your profession and experiences will continue to shape your nursing philosophy, so it may change as you progress in your career. That’s okay. Many of the current nursing philosophy examples will evolve as people’s insights andcareers advance.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates designed for working nurses. Our degrees are offered online, with optional on-campus immersions.* Role specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)** and Nurse Executive. The MSN and DNP have options to accelerate your time to degree completion. Earn your advanced nursing degree while keeping your work and life in balance.

*The FNP role specialty includes one required hands-on clinical intensive as part of the curriculum.

**The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role specialty is not available for the DNP program.

Sources:

  1. Darby Faubion, “50 Nursing Philosophy Examples + How To Write Your Own,” NursingProcess.org, 2025, https://www.nursingprocess.org/nursing-philosophy-examples.html.
  2. Carolann Mclawrence’s ePortfolio, “Personal Statement of Beliefs/Philosophy about Nursing,”A City Tech OpenLab ePortfolio, https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cmclawrence-eportfolio1/professional-nursing/experience/.
  3. Mas Medical Staffing, “How A Personal Philosophy of Nursing Can Help Your Career,” Mas Medical Staffing, March 15, 2018, https://www.masmedicalstaffing.com/2018/03/15/personal-philosophy-of-nursing/.

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