NURS 502: NURSING THEORY AND ADVANCED PRACTICE |
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED 2026 UPDATE
Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Vicki Thompson
Liberty University
School of Nursing
NURS 502: Nursing Theory and Advanced Practice
Professor RuthAnne Kuiper
July 12, 2026
, Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Introduction
My philosophy of nursing has been shaped through years of caring for patients across a
variety of healthcare settings, serving in leadership positions, and continually pursuing
professional growth. While my responsibilities have evolved throughout my career, my
commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care has remained constant. I believe nursing is
both a science and an art. It requires evidence-based knowledge, critical thinking, clinical
competence, and ethical decision-making while simultaneously demanding compassion,
empathy, advocacy, and genuine human connection. Every patient deserves to be treated with
dignity, respect, and kindness regardless of their age, diagnosis, culture, or socioeconomic status.
My Christian worldview provides the foundation for my nursing practice by reminding me that
every individual is created in the image of God and is worthy of compassionate, holistic care.
My Definition of Nursing
To me, nursing is a professional discipline dedicated to promoting health, preventing
illness, restoring wellness, relieving suffering, and advocating for individuals, families, and
communities through evidence-based, compassionate care. Nursing extends far beyond
performing technical skills or administering treatments. It is a profession built on relationships,
trust, education, leadership, and service.
Nurses are often the healthcare professionals who spend most of most time with patients.
Because of this unique relationship, nurses are responsible for recognizing changes in condition,
educating patients and families, coordinating care among interdisciplinary teams, and serving as
patient advocates. Nursing also requires lifelong learning because healthcare continually evolves
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED 2026 UPDATE
Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Vicki Thompson
Liberty University
School of Nursing
NURS 502: Nursing Theory and Advanced Practice
Professor RuthAnne Kuiper
July 12, 2026
, Personal Philosophy of Nursing Practice
Introduction
My philosophy of nursing has been shaped through years of caring for patients across a
variety of healthcare settings, serving in leadership positions, and continually pursuing
professional growth. While my responsibilities have evolved throughout my career, my
commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care has remained constant. I believe nursing is
both a science and an art. It requires evidence-based knowledge, critical thinking, clinical
competence, and ethical decision-making while simultaneously demanding compassion,
empathy, advocacy, and genuine human connection. Every patient deserves to be treated with
dignity, respect, and kindness regardless of their age, diagnosis, culture, or socioeconomic status.
My Christian worldview provides the foundation for my nursing practice by reminding me that
every individual is created in the image of God and is worthy of compassionate, holistic care.
My Definition of Nursing
To me, nursing is a professional discipline dedicated to promoting health, preventing
illness, restoring wellness, relieving suffering, and advocating for individuals, families, and
communities through evidence-based, compassionate care. Nursing extends far beyond
performing technical skills or administering treatments. It is a profession built on relationships,
trust, education, leadership, and service.
Nurses are often the healthcare professionals who spend most of most time with patients.
Because of this unique relationship, nurses are responsible for recognizing changes in condition,
educating patients and families, coordinating care among interdisciplinary teams, and serving as
patient advocates. Nursing also requires lifelong learning because healthcare continually evolves
