CAREERS STUDENT LIFE
competence because it can help to identify strengths and weaknesses and to develop further as a nurse. During my nursing degree, I know that my reflective practice has developed as I reflect increasingly on experiences. This is one of the most powerful ways that I learn. My journey to becoming a nurse is continuing as I have a personal commitment to life-long learning, through formal education and reflective practice.
Developing skills
A template for good care Sophie Radcliffe’s personal philosophy is her ideal for fulfilment, patient-centred care and clinical competence A personal philosophy of nursing is a strategy that nurses can use to affirm that their practice is in harmony with their values. I hope that my philosophy of nursing encompassing patient empowerment, individualised care and reflective practice will shape my future practice as a registered nurse and leader of care. Looking back on my nursing education, I realise that I am most fulfilled when I am caring for patients in a way that reflects my values of empowerment and individualised care. Empowering
Sophie Radcliffe (above) will strive to empower those she cares for
Patients’ expectations of nurses Intelligence in practice. Clear communication. Sound clinical judgement. Respect for dignity and individual choice. Promotion of independence. Involvement in decisions. Creation and maintenance of a safe environment. Care and consideration. Manley K et al (2011) Principles of nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 25,27, 35-37
patients is essential to shared decision making. It is my mission to provide care that is centred on patients’ needs and wishes, and it is essential for patients to play an active part in their care. The Francis inquiry into events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust found that by focusing on the needs of the organisation, staff were neglecting the needs of patients. This strengthens my belief in a philosophy that is patient-centred and that strives to empower those I will be caring for. My philosophy of nursing highlights the ideals I will aim for throughout my career. I understand that my ideals will undoubtedly be tempered by tensions between the patient voice and service priorities such as ward routines and cultures. One way to resolve this is through service improvement. Again, the Francis report identified how services can be improved by listening to patients’ views. I consider that the skill of reflection enables me to achieve the highest level of clinical
The 6Cs were introduced to highlight the importance of nurses taking a more caring and compassionate role. Although well intentioned, I suspect that this model may restrict nurses from achieving higher levels of competence as the value of reflection is not apparent. As a profession, nursing should be developing the 6Cs further and acknowledging the importance of reflective practice. I will embed the 6Cs in my nursing practice, although I will also develop further valuable nursing skills. Listening to patients, understanding their needs and communication ensures they understand what they can expect from me. This will lead to better partnership working and trusting therapeutic nurse-patient relationships in (see box). I hope that the values I hold will develop and strengthen through reflecting on my practice NS Sophie Radcliffe is a third-year nursing student at the University of York RESOURCES Francis Inquiry report www.midstaffspublicinquiry. com/report Compassion in practice www.6cs.england.nhs.uk Student life online rcnpublishing.com/page/ns/ students/student-life
66 august 20 :: from vol 28 no 51 :: by 2014 STANDARD Downloaded RCNi.com ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 16, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
competence because it can help to identify strengths and weaknesses and to develop further as a nurse. During my nursing degree, I know that my reflective practice has developed as I reflect increasingly on experiences. This is one of the most powerful ways that I learn. My journey to becoming a nurse is continuing as I have a personal commitment to life-long learning, through formal education and reflective practice.
Developing skills
A template for good care Sophie Radcliffe’s personal philosophy is her ideal for fulfilment, patient-centred care and clinical competence A personal philosophy of nursing is a strategy that nurses can use to affirm that their practice is in harmony with their values. I hope that my philosophy of nursing encompassing patient empowerment, individualised care and reflective practice will shape my future practice as a registered nurse and leader of care. Looking back on my nursing education, I realise that I am most fulfilled when I am caring for patients in a way that reflects my values of empowerment and individualised care. Empowering
Sophie Radcliffe (above) will strive to empower those she cares for
Patients’ expectations of nurses Intelligence in practice. Clear communication. Sound clinical judgement. Respect for dignity and individual choice. Promotion of independence. Involvement in decisions. Creation and maintenance of a safe environment. Care and consideration. Manley K et al (2011) Principles of nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 25,27, 35-37
patients is essential to shared decision making. It is my mission to provide care that is centred on patients’ needs and wishes, and it is essential for patients to play an active part in their care. The Francis inquiry into events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust found that by focusing on the needs of the organisation, staff were neglecting the needs of patients. This strengthens my belief in a philosophy that is patient-centred and that strives to empower those I will be caring for. My philosophy of nursing highlights the ideals I will aim for throughout my career. I understand that my ideals will undoubtedly be tempered by tensions between the patient voice and service priorities such as ward routines and cultures. One way to resolve this is through service improvement. Again, the Francis report identified how services can be improved by listening to patients’ views. I consider that the skill of reflection enables me to achieve the highest level of clinical
The 6Cs were introduced to highlight the importance of nurses taking a more caring and compassionate role. Although well intentioned, I suspect that this model may restrict nurses from achieving higher levels of competence as the value of reflection is not apparent. As a profession, nursing should be developing the 6Cs further and acknowledging the importance of reflective practice. I will embed the 6Cs in my nursing practice, although I will also develop further valuable nursing skills. Listening to patients, understanding their needs and communication ensures they understand what they can expect from me. This will lead to better partnership working and trusting therapeutic nurse-patient relationships in (see box). I hope that the values I hold will develop and strengthen through reflecting on my practice NS Sophie Radcliffe is a third-year nursing student at the University of York RESOURCES Francis Inquiry report www.midstaffspublicinquiry. com/report Compassion in practice www.6cs.england.nhs.uk Student life online rcnpublishing.com/page/ns/ students/student-life
66 august 20 :: from vol 28 no 51 :: by 2014 STANDARD Downloaded RCNi.com ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 16, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
