Nursing philosophy
"What works and what matters in the art of
healing."
Nurses are the critical link between our Mission and the
patients and families whom we serve. Nurses from across our
hospitals developed our Nursing Philosophy
after discussing the types of behaviours that matter to, and work
for, them.
In what came to be called The Art of Healing, six clear themes
emerged. Our nurses believe these themes are integral to healing
and underpin how they bring comfort, hope and dignity to patients
in a contemporary, high technology environment.
Supporting the care team and each other
- St John of God Health Care provides strong
nursing leadership.
- Nurses are valued by the organisation and
each other.
- Respect is an integral value in the way our
nurses care for patients and in the way they interact with their
colleagues.
- Caregivers are supported in caring for their
patients when confronted with difficult or critical
situations.
- Nursing leadership promotes nurses to develop
professionally in a supportive yet challenging environment.
- Nurses value and respect the contribution of
all caregivers and support a multidisciplinary approach to patient
care.
Commitment to patients and their families
- Our nurses provide holistic care for patients
and families.
- Nurses listen to their patients and develop a
trust that allows a distinctive level of care to be provided.
- Nurses get to know their patients, sharing
joy and grief with them.
- Nurses approach the care of their patients
and their families in a way that invites their involvement.
Personalised care
- Each person is a unique individual and nurses
respect the dignity and worth of each human person by considering
their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual wellbeing.
- Care is planned and resources allocated
giving respect to each person’s individual needs.
Professionalism
- Clinical leadership balances clinical and
administrative responsibilities. Each complements the other to
support our Mission.
- Our nurses demonstrate professionalism
through their knowledge, behaviour and personal presentation.
- Personal feelings, fears and beliefs do not
hinder a nurse’s ability to respond appropriately to the needs of a
patient.
- Plans are made around the patient’s
individual needs rather than the nurse or nursing department’s
needs.
- Our nurses are innovative and accept change
to improve the quality of patient care. They recognise the need to
be accountable for costs and how resources are
used.
Making it safe
- St John of God Health Care has a reputation
for excellence in nursing practice.
- Nurses care in a professional and competent
manner resulting in patient and family confidence in clinical
skills.
- Nurses are aware of their legal and moral
responsibilities.
- Nurses share information and knowledge with
their patients to assist them in understanding their condition and
to support their decision making.
Listening
- Our nurses are skilled in the art of
listening. They listen actively in a non-judgmental way. They do
not patronise or promote their personal views.