Nursing to me is defined as an individual who provides safe, competent care, emotionally and physically, to patients in a therapeutic environment. The care is provided according to the guidelines set forth by the American Nurses Society and state regulations. As a new graduate Registered Nurse, I need to take all of my knowledge, values and idealism into my job site and apply them. If I am able to incorporate all the main characteristics of nursing, such as knowledge, time management, accountability, responsibility, compassion, advocacy, respect, honesty, reliability, and patient privacy, I will be successful and well respected in my career, not only by my patients and their families, but also by other health care professionals and colleagues as well.
Personally, nursing is my way of giving back to society. I enjoy helping others. Looking back, I have ALWAYS wanted to be a nurse. Giving of my self, such as my time, heart, knowedge, compassion, and my honesty gives me peace of mind and spirit. This is a much different view than when I was half way through my first clinical . Then it was all about obtaining new skills and learning the ability to provide nursing care. I have found there is far more to healing than the physical nursing care. The ability to truly show a person that you care involves interacting with the patient in a nonjudgemental, patient, passionate, and caring way. I have found that this level of interaction provides a therapeutic basis to promote trust; thereby, aiding in the healing process. Without this therapeutic environment, complete healing is inhibited. I will strive to maintain and adhere to my personal nursing philosophy throught my nursing career. Nursing, as a whole, is a well respected, rewarding, and self-fulfilling career, and I can not wait to play a part in it!
- Kristi Rittenhouse
