NURS 481: Role Transition

 

Purpose of the Assignment: The purpose of this assignment is to enable the student to rediscover his or her personal philosophy of nursing as it exists upon the completion of the baccalaureate nursing program.

 

Student Approach to Assignment: As I wrote this paper, I took a step back to reflect on how my view of nursing has changed throughout school and clinical. In the beginning, I saw nursing as mostly about skills and medical knowledge. But as I gained more experience, I realized it’s just as much about being there for patients, advocating for them, and understanding their unique backgrounds. This paper is a reflection of that journey—how nursing theories, hands-on experiences, and real patient interactions have shaped the way I care for others.

 

Reason for Inclusion of the Assignment in the Portfolio: This assignment allowed me to evaluate my personal and professional development in nursing. This assignment displays what I define nursing as, the purpose of providing nursing care, and what principles are needed to address key nursing domains, like patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and becoming a strong leader. 

 

• Domain 1: Knowledge for Nursing Practice

  • (1) Identify concepts, derived from theories from nursing and other disciplines, which distinguish the practice of nursing. 

    • I explored how nursing blends knowledge, empathy, and advocacy in my paper. I connected my experience with diverse patients to Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory, emphasizing cultural competence in care. My time at PiN Ministry deepened my understanding of community health, which I aligned with Neuman’s System Theory. I also highlighted the importance of collaboration, using Convergent Care Theory to reflect on working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals. These experiences have shaped my nursing philosophy, reinforcing that nursing is a balance of science, compassion, and teamwork.

  • (3) Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race,  religion, gender, lifestyle, and age.

    • In my paper, I reflected on how culture, race, religion, gender, lifestyle, and age shape human behavior and healthcare decisions. Through Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory, I learned how cultural beliefs influence the way patients seek and accept care. My time at PiN Ministry opened my eyes to how homelessness and financial struggles create barriers to health, while clinical experiences showed me how age and gender impact treatment preferences. These experiences have taught me that being a good nurse isn’t just about medical knowledge—it’s about understanding each patient’s unique background and meeting them with empathy and respect.

• Domains 1, 2, 3: Knowledge for Nursing Practice,  Patient-centered care, Population Health

  • (7) Demonstrates clinical reasoning in making clinical or professional judgments. 

    • In my paper, during my time at PiN Ministry, I saw how money struggles kept people from getting the care they needed, which taught me to look beyond just medical needs. In clinical, I learned that good nursing isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about understanding the whole person. Working with different healthcare professionals showed me how teamwork makes a big difference in patient care. These experiences helped me think on my feet, speak up for my patients, and make better decisions as a nurse.

• Domain 2: Patient-centered care

  • (6) Communicate effectively with individuals.

    • ​In my paper, during my time at PiN Ministry, I saw how just listening and talking with patients made a big difference. Many felt ignored, so I made sure to explain things simply and with kindness. In clinical, I adjusted how I spoke based on who I was helping and worked with other healthcare staff to keep care running smoothly. I learned that good communication isn’t just talking—it’s making sure patients feel heard and understood.

• Domain 6: Interprofessional Partnerships

  • (31) Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the interdisciplinary health care team. 

    • In my paper during clinical, I saw how important teamwork is in nursing. I worked with doctors, therapists, and social workers, learning how each person plays a role in helping patients. As a nurse, I made sure my patients’ concerns were heard and their care was well-coordinated. At PiN Ministry, I saw firsthand how working together made a real difference in medical care and emotional support. These experiences taught me that nursing isn’t just about treating patients—it’s about speaking up for them and working as a team to give them the best care possible.

• Domain 9: Professionalism

  • (41)  Apply principles of professional nursing ethics and human rights in patient care and professional situations. 

    • In my paper, I learned that being a nurse means always doing what is best for the patient. At PiN Ministry, I worked with patients facing homelessness, mental health struggles, and substance use, which showed me the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity. In clinical, I faced situations where I had to balance patient rights, safety, and advocacy. I relied on the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence to guide my decisions, always focusing on helping my patients while avoiding harm. These experiences taught me that professionalism in nursing means standing up for patients, respecting their rights, and always providing ethical, compassionate care.

• Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development

  •  (33) Explores personal philosophy of nursing and educational goals at the beginning and end of the program.  

    • When I started nursing school, I thought it was all about medical skills and knowledge. But through my classes, clinical experiences, and mentors, I realized it’s so much more. Nursing is about expertise, empathy, and advocacy—caring for the whole person, not just their illness. Over time, I saw how social, emotional, and cultural factors shape a patient’s healthcare experience, reinforcing the importance of patient-centered care. I’ve learned to rely on beneficence and nonmaleficence to guide my decisions, always putting my patients’ well-being first. As I grow in my career, I’ll continue learning, leading, and making a difference in my patients’ lives.