Running head: Philosophy of Nursing

Philosophy of Nursing Practice in Community Health

Lycia L. Harris
Jacksonville State University

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Introduction

Over and over in my 20 years in the nursing profession, I have heard many people say, You
must be a very special person to with kids. My answer, has always been an easy one, no, not
really. I dont think the fact that I work with kids makes me special. I think, the fact that I am a
nurse, makes me special. I absolutely love helping people. During times of sickness, most
importantly when a child is sick, families are vulnerable and reduced to their lowest points. Any
role that I can play in easing the difficulty of that time makes me feel that my job is fulfilling and
meaningful.

My personal philosophy is based on knowledge, skill and interpersonal

relationships between the nurse and the patient.

Body of Paper
Any person that enters the health care delivery system deserves a good, well-trained,
competent, compassionate nurse. These attributes are even more important when dealing with
children, specifically, children with disabilities. Kathryn E. Banard, nursing theorist, did research
on mentally and physical handicapped children and adults. Her work began with the study of
well children, expanded to ways to evaluate the growth and development of children and motherinfant relationships, and finally concluded with how environment influences development for
children and families (Alligood, 2014). Her Child Health Assessment Interaction Theory stated
that the individual characteristic of members, such as nurses and caregivers, influence the parentinfant system and adaptive behavior modifies those characteristics to meet the needs of the
system (Alligood, 2014).
Banards theory has been changed a little over time, but her theory has changed the way
health care workers evaluate children in light of the parent-child relationship (Alligood, 2014).
The positive influences of the caregiver, through love, touch, interaction, and care has a huge

Philosophy of Nursing

impact on human growth and development. Children with disabilities are a vulnerable
population. According to Healthy People 2020, the United State Census 2000 counted 49.7
million people with some type of disability or long term illness (Healthypeople.gov). All people
with disabilities, no matter the age, should have the same access to health care.
I feel that my philosophy is especially useful in this population. No matter the
disability or condition, everyone deserves a good, well trained, competent, compassionate nurse.
Even a child with the most severe disability responds to love and human interaction. Those with
disabilities should have every chance to participate in any and all activities that promote as close
to normal activity as possible and be contributing factors in their community.
In children, some causes of disabilities include: fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal drug
addiction, lack of oxygen at birth, prematurity, difficulties that occur after birth such as infection,
poor nutrition, abuse or neglect, under development of the spinal cord, chromosomal
abnormalities, genetic disorders and injuries from accidents(NICHCY.org). The March of
Dimes estimates that about 150,000 babies are born with birth defects that can lead to long term
disability each year in the United States (March of Dimes.com). Disparities in health care must
be identified. Some causes of disparities in this community include: ethnicity, race and
socioeconomic factors. Children of low income families have higher rates of mortality, disability
and are likely to have more than one disability (NIHCM.org).
Decreased parental education combined with decreased availability of financial resources
usually result in children having decreased health status (NIHCM.org). Family education is so
important in these instances. The advanced community health nurse can have positive influence
in this population through both preventative and supportive care. To be effective, he or she must
stay abreast of information, community resources and healthcare laws as it relates to children

Philosophy of Nursing

with disabilities, and intervene when necessary. Services such as early intervention should be
initiated to at risk children at the first sign of developmental delays.
Providing assistance, support and information on access to healthcare should be a luxury
afforded to all parents. Assistance training should also be available for healthcare providers such
as pediatricians, nurses, and therapist. Children with disabilities and their families should also be
able to interact and participate in their everyday surroundings, meaning their environment,
without barriers. Access to buildings, parks, and all public places of interest should be facilitated
in use of both physical and universal design concepts and operational policy shifts
(Healthpeople.gov). Ongoing efforts to improve issues and heath of the disabled should include
educational courses about disability and health, assessment of drug and alcohol abuse by families
and treatment modalities, including and improving strategies of emergency preparedness and
response, and including children and adults with disabilities in all efforts of health promotion on
both local and national levels (healthypeople.gov).
Conclusion
As nurses, we are sometimes the only voice a patient has in health care. We must not be
afraid to advocate for our patients. Advocacy sometimes means stepping outside of our boxes.
As community health nurses, we must be willing to step out into the community to treat and
educate. Public health initiatives should be aimed at identification of those mothers and ethnic
groups at risk for having babies born with birth defects. Careful monitoring of at risk groups and
proper reporting of data to focus groups and governmental agencies should be done to aid that
identification. Public health nurses must focus care on prevention, education and communication
so those at risk dont fall between the cracks. For patients already identified, we must institute
efforts to provide quality of life health maintenance and effective access to the community.

Philosophy of Nursing

Being a good nurse and participation in the education of good nurses will always be my passion.
I feel that nursing care provided by any nurse should always reflect the kind of care I would want
for myself or my family members. I will constantly strive to grown in nursing and grow my
nursing knowledge. This will aid in assuring my patients get the best care possible.

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References:

A Parents Guide: Finding Help for Young Children with Disabilities (Birth 5).
Retrieved from: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Online
http://NICHCY.org
Alligood, M.R.(2014). Nursing Theorist And Their Work. (8th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri:
Elsevier
Birth Defect Research. Retrieved from: The March of Dimes Online
http://www.marchofdimes.org
Healthy People 2020 Topics and Objectives. Retrieved from: http://www.healthypeople.gov
Reducing Health Disparities among Children: STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS FOR HEALTH
PLANS. Retrieved from: National Institute of Healthcare Management Online http://NIHCM.org

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