An explanation of your philosophy of nursing practice that briefly describes your nursing experience and area(s) of expertise. Be sure to explain the beliefs that inform your philosophy of nursing practice and your goals for expanding your knowledge and training as a DNP (e.g., embracing diversity, global health issues, and collaboration). Then, explain the DNP role as a social change agent and recommend at least one way you will advocate for positive social change as a Walden DNP. Be specific and provide examples, with all citations in APA 7 style. (hypertension and medication management in underserved communities)
Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Nursing Experience and Areas of Expertise
My journey in nursing began with a strong desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Over the years, I have worked in various clinical settings, primarily focusing on psychiatric mental health. My expertise lies in assessing, diagnosing, and managing mental health care needs across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on acute and chronic psychiatric/mental health conditions. Through clinical experiences in both primary and acute care settings, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with mental health and the importance of holistic, patient-centered care.
Beliefs Informing My Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Central to my philosophy of nursing practice is the belief that every individual deserves compassionate, equitable, and comprehensive care. I am guided by the principles of empathy, respect, and advocacy. I believe that effective nursing practice involves not only addressing the physical aspects of health but also understanding and supporting the emotional, social, and psychological needs of patients.
Furthermore, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional growth. This commitment is driven by the understanding that healthcare is an ever-evolving field, and staying current with best practices, emerging research, and innovative treatments is crucial for providing high-quality care. My goal is to continuously expand my knowledge and skills to better serve my patients and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.
Goals for Expanding Knowledge and Training as a DNP
As I pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, I aim to deepen my expertise in psychiatric mental health and broaden my understanding of global health issues, diversity, and interprofessional collaboration. Embracing diversity involves recognizing and valuing the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of each patient, which is essential for delivering culturally competent care. Additionally, addressing global health issues requires a commitment to understanding the social determinants of health and advocating for policies that promote health equity.
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is another critical aspect of my goals. Effective teamwork and communication across disciplines enhance patient outcomes and contribute to a more integrated and efficient healthcare system.
The DNP Role as a Social Change Agent
The DNP role is pivotal in driving social change within the healthcare system and the broader community. DNP-prepared nurses are equipped with advanced clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, enabling them to advocate for and implement systemic improvements.
One way I plan to advocate for positive social change as a Walden DNP is by focusing on hypertension and medication management in underserved communities. Hypertension is a prevalent and often poorly managed condition in these populations due to various barriers, including limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic challenges, and lack of education about the condition and its management.
Advocacy Example
To address this issue, I will develop and implement a community-based hypertension management program. This program will include:
- Educational Workshops: Conducting workshops to educate community members about hypertension, its risks, and the importance of medication adherence and lifestyle modifications. These workshops will be tailored to the specific cultural and linguistic needs of the community.
- Mobile Health Clinics: Establishing mobile health clinics to provide accessible hypertension screenings, medication management services, and follow-up care. These clinics will bring healthcare services directly to underserved areas, reducing barriers to access.
- Collaboration with Community Leaders: Partnering with local community leaders and organizations to build trust and promote the program. These collaborations will help ensure that the program is culturally sensitive and effectively meets the needs of the community.
- Utilizing Technology: Leveraging telehealth and mobile applications to support ongoing monitoring and education for patients, ensuring continuity of care even when in-person visits are not feasible.
By implementing this program, I aim to reduce the incidence and complications of hypertension in underserved communities, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my philosophy of nursing practice is rooted in empathy, respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As I pursue my DNP degree, I am dedicated to embracing diversity, addressing global health issues, and fostering collaboration. Through my role as a social change agent, I will advocate for positive social change by focusing on hypertension and medication management in underserved communities, thereby improving health equity and patient outcomes.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Retrieved from http://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/DNPEssentials.pdf
Sullivan, E. J., & Decker, P. J. (2009). Effective leadership and management in nursing (7th ed.). Pearson.
World Health Organization. (2013). Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 2013-2020. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/94384/1/9789241506236_eng.pdf