Running Head: PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING 1

Philosophy of Community Health

Mary Williams

Jacksonville State University

PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING 2

I chose nursing as my profession because I have always had a fascination with science,

biology and how the body functions. Nursing has taken me on an amazing journey and has

allowed me the opportunity to provide care to a variety of populations. One population that has

peaked my interest is the mental health population, particularly the adolescent population

diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression is a common but serious mood

disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.

To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks (National

Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d). This is a disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of

interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep and/or appetite, low

energy, and poor concentration (Mendelson & Tandon, 2016). Adolescence is always an

unsettling time with many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany

this stage of life (Depression in Teens, n.d). Adolescents are often faced with numerous

challenges and life issues growing up leaving them feeling hopeless and vulnerable which

ultimately can lead to depression. Stanhope & Lancaster (2012) suggest the following on issues

leading to depression:

Children are at risk for disruption of normal development by biological, environmental

and psychosocial factors that impair mental health. For example, children may develop

depression after a loss or behavior problems from abuse or neglect. Examples of

environmental factors include crowded living conditions, violence, separation from

parents, and lack of consistent caregivers.

Adolescents who are plagued with symptoms of depression often are left untreated due to the

stigma that is constantly associated with mental illness. According to the online source CRC

health (2015), adolescents listed cost of mental health care, trouble making appointments, time
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constraints and not wanting family members to know about the depression as other challenges

along with the stigma that hinders them from seeking treatment.

The prevalence of depression in adolescents has doubled between the mid- 1980s and

2000s with major depressive disorder (MDD) now ranging from four to eight percent (Carter,

Morres, Meade, & Callaghan, 2016). Nationally representative epidemiologic studies have

indicate that the lifetime prevalence of depression among adolescents aged 15 to 18 years is

between 11% and 14%, with an estimated 20% of adolescents experiencing depression by the

time they turn 18 years of age. It is also estimated that approximately half of first episodes of

depression occur during adolescence (Mendelson & Tandon, 2015).

Working in the mental health field has made me realized how important it is to have a

personal philosophy and make every effort to apply it, when encountering this vulnerable

population. According to the online source, University Health System (2016), philosophy of

nursing states our thoughts on what we believe to be true about the nature of the profession of

nursing and provide a basis for nursing activities. It endorses ethical values we hold as basic and

bases our beliefs in theory. I am certain that all individuals in the nursing profession have strong

beliefs and hold their own view on what nursing should encompass. For me nursing is love and a

calling to serve. My personal philosophy is to provide competent care, education and to be an

advocate for all populations I serve. This philosophy addresses what I feel to be the three basic

most important elements of nursing. Every patient should be afforded competent, compassionate

care regardless of their diagnosis, religion, gender, financial status, or lifestyle choices. I feel that

education should always play a major role when treating the patient. Nurses should possess

knowledge and skill and always be willing to grow in their profession. Just as important as

receiving the knowledge, it is just as important as sharing that knowledge with those in our care.
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Educating patients empowers them as they are able to maintain and care for themselves

following a hospital stay and medical diagnosis. Health education is the key to improving health.

I truly believe that knowledge is power, and should be used to improve the health of others.

Lastly, I am an advocate for my patients. Often times patients are confused, afraid, and

sometimes alone. I am the healthcare expert and as such, I must be the voice for my patients and

guide them on their medical journey.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Hampshire philosophy is working to

improve the quality of life for all by providing support, education and advocacy for people

affected by mental illness (National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d). This philosophy strongly

supports my values and my own personal view about the nursing profession. Their views are

similar as I believe strongly in educating my patients and their families. Providing education,

making referrals and sharing resources is vital to a successful outcome. Another similar belief we

share is being an advocate for patients. I believe that all healthcare professionals should take the

opportunity to be a patient advocate. All patients should be treated equally with respect,

professionalism, dignity and care. Nurses spend the majority of the time with the patients more

than any other health care professional and they should ensure the patients are receiving the best

care.

Advanced Public Health Nurses (APHN) can play a major role and make a huge impact

in treating this population because they are equipped with a higher degree of knowledge and

skills that can be utilize in so many ways to benefit the patient, families and their community.

Educating the patient about their disease, while allowing them to participate in their care should

be the primary focus of their treatment plan. The APHN should properly educate them on their

disease process, side effects of any newly prescribed medications, coping skills, along with diet
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and lifestyle changes. As well as educating the patient, the APHN should also play a role in

educating the parents, teachers, school counselors and the community. Adolescents spend the

majority of their time at either home or school and both should be properly educated on MDD.

Adolescents battling this disease require many services, including support groups, therapy

sessions, follow up visits with their psychiatrist and counseling sessions, the APHN should play

a role to ensure their needs are being met. For many adolescents, depression may be a new

diagnosis and the APHN should be readily available to answer all inquiries. Private information

sessions would also greatly benefit this population as they are often uncomfortable asking

questions about their mental illness in group therapy settings. Lastly the APHN should construct

public awareness events and activities in the community to help cease the stigma associated with

mental illness. Providing this population and community with knowledge, resources, and

informational sessions and making sure they receive proper treatment, is leading the community

on the right path to a positive outcome. Increasing their knowledge will definitely reduce the

patients anxiety and concerns and allow them to make better informed decision regarding their

health.

In conclusion, the APHN must continue to be a driving force as an educator in the

community about this disease that is occurring at such a high rate in the adolescent population.

Nursing is a challenging profession that requires devotion of themselves to serve others. It is my

hope that my nursing philosophy is effective in changing and shaping the lives of my patients.
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References

Carter, T., Morres, I., Meade, O., Callaghan, P., (2016). The Effect of Exercise on Depressive

Symptoms in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American

Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 7:580-590. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2016.04.016

Mendelson, T., & Tandon, S.D., (2016). Prevention of Depression in Childhood and

Adolescence. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America Journal. 2:201-218

doi:10.1016/j.chc.2015.11.005

Mission & History. (n.d.). National Alliance on Mental Illness-New Hampshire. Retrieved

September 7, 2016, from http://www.naminh.org/about-nami-nh/organization/mission-history

Philosophy of Nursing. (2016). University Health System. Retrieved September 6, 2016, from

http://www.universityhealthsystem.com/healthcare-professionals/nurses/professional-

practice/philosophy-of-nursing

Stanhope, M. & Lancaster, J. (2012). Public health nursing population-centered health care in the

community. (8th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby/Elsevir