Activity 4: Professional Values and Goals

Activity 4: Professional Values and Goals

Reflection of a Nursing Career

My nursing philosophy directly stems from my desire to help people, especially during their desperate times. When I serve people that need help, I get internal satisfaction. Nursing is not a job, but a unique profession that requires one to have passion, patience, and selflessness. It is incredibly satisfying to deal with patients and their families and to help them through the difficult time of illness. Many aspects of patient care within the nursing career make a difference in the lives of the patients and the society as a whole. I grew up with a sibling who had some medical condition that required close care. Sometimes I took on the role of my mother, who was a nurse, to help in carrying out nursing duties. From then on, I knew that nursing was something that I would like to do when I grew up. I so much wanted to help him recover from his ailment.

In another instance, I did some volunteer work for a certain hospital. I enjoyed the stint there and got very emotionally satisfied to look into the window of the eyes of the patients into their souls. Most people get cured for their ailments, not in medicine alone, but also from the nature and quality of care they receive in the hospital or while at home. I like serving ad taking care of patients as if they were a part of my family (they are, anyway). Being a nurse will give me an opportunity to help people in their times of need and be the rock in which they will cling while in a difficult situation. This is my nursing philosophy and the one that I wish to work with when I finally become a professional nurse.

Relationship of My Personal Nursing Practice to ANA Code of Ethics

Caring and health are integral to nursing practice (ANA, 2015). In my personal nursing practice, I always practice with empathy to the patient, ensuring I give the best service there is. In this regard, I understand that health and caring are an integral part of my practice. While caring for patients and their families, I also promote self-care and care for the environment and society as a whole. Secondly, in regard to the third provision of the ANA Code of Ethics, in my practice, I am always at the forefront in promoting and advocating for the human and legal rights and safety of the patient. To achieve this, I have ever collaborated with other health professionals to reduce health disparities and promote health diplomacy. Moreover, my primary commitment is to the patient. I have always taken my time to visit patients in their homes after being discharged to check on their progress.

Motivation to Remain in the Nursing Profession

First, I have a passion for caring for patients. As the International Council of Nurses states, “nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well and in all settings” (Dzaher, 2017). Second, nursing provides me with endless learning opportunities. I happen to learn from the numerous people I interact with each day. Some of these people include patients, doctors, medical staff, and administrators, who add to my knowledge base. I also learn much from the different settings and specialties that I practice each day. Therefore, nursing helps me to make meaningful connections within the healthcare setting and beyond.

Short-Term Goals

1. Complete school and pass with flying colors
2. Sit and pass the NCLEX on the first attempt. Find a well-paying job at a health facility in which I can gain the most experience.

Long-Term goals

1. Elevating my professionalism and employability
2. Earn an MSN to provide me with more opportunities
3. Being a nurse leader in a highly regarded hospital

Impact of the BSN on My Career Goals

My BSN will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experience to sit and pass the NCLEX on the first attempt. Moreover, it will be the best tool to help me elevate my professionalism and marketability. Besides, a BSN is a springboard to furthering my studies in the field of nursing; for example, a BSN is a requirement for an MSN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2015). I need a BSN because I have a specialty area in nursing in mind. After the BSN, I believe I will be in an excellent position to deal with patients who have more complex needs.