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Personal Statement of Philosophy, Nursing and of Teaching
As everyone, I have many roles in life. I am a daughter, mother, friend, breadwinner,
nurse, and educator to name a few of the roles that play a vital part of my life. Each of these
roles co-exists to outline who I am. My life is interlaced in the lives of many others. Each has
an effect on me as I on them.
Nursing, and teaching, is not a “job” but a calling for those with a passion and caring
nature to help others. Nursing is a discipline of knowledge that is developed both through formal
education and life experiences. The sum of these parts continues to cultivate and enhance my
nursing. My roles outside of nursing strengthen my personal knowledge which I bring to my
professional life. These life experiences expose me to many cultures and attitudes. My spiritual
self enables me to preserve the heart of who I am in relation to others. These experiences help
me to see my role as a nurse through a distinctive lens grounded in caring. Caring outlines my
life, and enhances my professional role as a teacher of nursing.
I continue to study to expand my pragmatic knowledge about nursing. I can only
improve my practice by continuing to learn from all aspects of life. Deliberate learning through
classes and reading are parts of how I learn. My role as a teacher allows me to learn from my
students in a reciprocal role.
My teaching role encompasses all students. I listen attentively to the students who trust
me to pilot them in their knowledge development. I listen to their personal concerns and guide
them so that can grow through the educational courses I facilitate. Strong communication skills
increase the ability for every voice to be heard.
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I do what is right because that is what I have learned and has been instilled in me
throughout my life. I have a strong sense of fairness in everything I do. That sense of fairness
guides my actions.
My role as teacher means I support students to take a personal responsibility in their own
growth through the many venues of learning. It is my responsibility to set an example for my
students on how to grow their discipline evidenced by my passion to teach. That passion is not
limited to nursing or teaching but a conglomeration of both.
Our students do not learn in isolation, but though the shared curriculum which is
continuing to evolve. I work within a team and support the faculty both where I work and who
teach elsewhere. Just as knowledge development occurs in many settings, many educators are
consumed in a lifelong quest for knowledge.
I believe that both teaching and nursing are given through the gift of self. I teach as a
professional and I teach as a friend. The lines are blurred between my roles as I believe they
should be. My relationships continue to evolve. My teaching continues to evolve. As long as I
live, I am becoming.