By doing this, we show the patient that we respect them as a person not just a number and that we do genuinely care. This will in turn show reciprocity of respect between both the patient and myself as a nurse. According to the Code of ethics 2002, these are some values that nurses are required to reflect on throughout their practice and is a standard that we must live up to throughout our profession of nursing ( Code of Ethics Handbook, 2004). .
I strongly believe in the value of love, love for oneself as well as love for humanity. In loving yourself, you only become a better person and becoming a better person goes on to benefit humanity as a whole. In other words, as we seek to improve ourselves, those around us are affected and ultimately love is what holds the human race together. I personally love the profession of nursing as I am very people oriented and enjoy making others feel comfortable and the sense of satisfaction I receive when caring for patients and just knowing that I am helping them gives me great appreciation for who I have become today. Nursing gives me the opportunity to experience unlimited knowledge as I am continuously learning and growing to not only become a better nurse but to better myself. As I learn more about the nursing profession, I learn to love myself more for getting this far in life and it shows in the way I give care to my patients. These are some of the main reasons as to why I chose nursing as my career path. Whether it be loving what I do for a career, or loving the feeling I get when a patient thanks me for my help, or loving the fact that I am able to comfort a patient when they are most vulnerable, love can be seen many different ways. For example, I can listen to a patient with an open heart, without interruption and just hear what they have to say and that is a gift in itself a gift of healing ( Jean Watson, 2003). Even if someone is dying, just being by their side and letting them know they are not alone is an act of love, and even though it may be painful to see there is joy in showing that you care.
