Explain how your differences in experience or belief may have shaped your philosophies in different ways.

My nursing practice philosophy is evolving as I am a novice. As a psychiatric nurse, my professional experiences are shaping my understanding and approach to nursing practice. Reflecting on the concepts presented in the McEwen & Wills (2022) text, I am gaining insight into how nursing philosophy aligns with the four essential nursing domains: person, environment, health, and nursing. By considering these concepts with Walden University's mission for social change and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, I begin to formulate a nursing philosophy reflecting my current experiences and future development in the nursing practice. Furthermore, I am developing an understanding of clinical techniques and treatment protocols. In my psychiatric nursing experience, my patients are viewed holistically, with mental, emotional, and social aspects integrated with physical health. McEwen & Wills (2022) emphasize the importance of understanding the patient in nursing theory, noting that the patient is involved in their care. This resonates with my experiences working with patients with mental health challenges. Through my experience, I witnessed how mental health intertwines with physical health. With this understanding, I view each patient as an individual whose mental health cannot be isolated from their physical health or other influencing factors such as socioeconomic. Theories such as the Neuman Systems Model, which considers stressors from internal and external environments, have influenced my experience, as they help explain the connection of various factors affecting the patients (McEwen & Wills, 2022). This approach aligns with my belief that care must not only be directed at alleviating symptoms but also at addressing broader life stressors, which often contribute to psychiatric conditions.

My nursing philosophy is rooted in the belief that nursing is awareness and implementation of compassionate and evidence-based care that enhances physical, emotional, and psychological recovery (McEwen & Wills, 2022). Algase (2009) notes that nursing practice is built upon theoretical thinking and empirical evidence, which support the development of effective interventions that improve patient outcomes (Algase, 2009). I see part of my role as a nurse is to advocates, educates, and supports my patients. Each action I take aims to empower my patients to navigate their health journey in a way that respects their autonomy and fosters recovery.

Fawcett's (1999) highlight work on the hallmarks of nursing science also resonates with my philosophy that healing in psychiatric nursing is as much about establishing a connection with patients as it is about providing medical care. Fawcett noted that in psychiatric nursing, the concept of caring involves providing therapeutic interventions and creating a trusting relationship with patients, where empathy and active listening are foundational.

In addition to interest, beliefs, and expertise, my nursing philosophy intersects with the four nursing domains in a way that supports a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care.

• Person: The person is central to my nursing practice. As I continue developing my expertise, I recognize the significance of understanding each patient's experiences, cultural values, and social context. This understanding is crucial to delivering personalized care that respects their individuality (McEwen & Wills, 2022).
• Environment in psychiatric nursing is a physical space as well as the social, psychological, and culture in which the person operates. Theories such as the Social Model of Health emphasize the need for nurses to consider the broader environment, including social determinants of health (SDOH), which can impact mental health outcomes. For example, people in poverty face the pressure of stress and limited access to mental health resources, factors that exacerbate psychiatric conditions (CDC, 2024).
• Health, they say, is not just the absence of disease but the achievement of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Promoting mental health is integral to my practice, and I believe that addressing mental health holistically, considering factors like trauma, stress, and relationships, is critical to improving overall well-being (Sebrant & Jong, 2020).
• Nursing is a profession rooted in science, compassion, and advocacy. McEwen & Wills (2022) highlight that nursing is both a science and an art, where evidence-based practices guide interventions while empathy and caring are the foundation of the nurse-patient relationship. My personal philosophy integrates both aspects, where theoretical knowledge informs practice and compassionate care fosters trust and healing.

Part of my goal i