Professional Nursing Practice

          My beliefs and values have helped to shape my understanding of nursing and my approach to patient care. I have always held strong beliefs in the importance of showing compassion, respect, and integrity to others: both in my personal life and in my nursing practice. These values have helped guide my interactions with patients and form a trusting relationship that feels genuine and does not feel forced or burdensome. I like to create an environment where whoever I am with feels safe, secure, respected, and heard. I knew this was the approach that I would take with my patients in a professional setting. Having been a patient myself, and knowing what I know now, I can look back at the nurses who helped me and feel a deeper sense of gratitude for all of them. So far, throughout my BSN journey, I have come to understand that nursing is not just a profession that involves technical skills; it also involves communication skills, listening skills, and collaboration skills. In order to achieve quality and effective care.

          During the associate's degree program in my nursing journey was the first time I was ever exposed to different nursing theories and ethical foundations brought forth by organizations such as the American Nurse Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, and The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) Essentials. A lot of the BSN program has reinforced my knowledge of theory and practice, and has really opened up my mind to how much more the job is than just promoting physical health. The AACN Essentials, teaches that nursing is more complex and involves emotional, social and ethical care as well as basic care. It emphasizes the importance of evidenced-based practice (EBP), collaboration, and quality improvement. 

          I am only just beginning my nursing profession and feel well prepared and clear on what type of nurse I am expected to be. I have been proud to learn that many of my characteristics and beliefs align well with what we are being taught in nursing school. It is important to me that the patients I encounter feel taken care of, and that they know I always have their best interests at heart.