Nursing Philosophy

As professional nurses at UC San Diego Health, we provide competent nursing care for all patients. Our practice is to be sensitive and caring while meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and families. We recognize our patients’ and families’ unique experience including the uncertainty and vulnerabilities that accompany illness and suffering. As advocates for our patients, we are present, genuine, responsive, sensitive, engaging, and assistive. Our healing environment, evidence-based practice and innovation lead to stellar patient and family outcomes. Our goal is for each patient and family member to "feel cared for" during their experience at UC San Diego Health. WE CARE.

As professional nurses we are autonomous and accountable for our nursing practice. Our practice is based on research, evidence and national standards. We are empowered to make decisions about our nursing practice through our shared governance model. Our clinical practice is caring, comprehensive, accurate and reliable. We pledge to engage in lifelong learning for our professional development. We take care of ourselves and develop caring relationships with other healthcare members so that we can develop authentic caring relationships with our patients and their families. As we develop caring relationships we feel cared for.

We work collaboratively with all members of the health care team to provide stellar outcomes for our patients. We communicate openly and honestly in our advocacy for our patients. We conduct interdisciplinary rounds with the health care team and include patients and their families in the decision making process about their care. We develop caring relationships with other members of the health care team so that they "feel cared for." Nursing leadership in clinical practice is evident at all levels and in all care environments within the organization. Nurses have a welcome voice at organizational meetings where decisions are made about care, practice and the workplace. In all these ways we, within the UC San Diego Health, strive for nursing excellence.

Our focus on developing caring relationships with patients, families, each other and ourselves allows us to create an environment where feeling cared for is an everyday experience.

Shared governance is a model of shared decision-making that gives staff nurses autonomy over their practice. In ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® facilities across the country, staff nurses have indicated participation in shared governance as the most important aspect of their work. Read more about UC San Diego Health's Nursing Shared Governance Committees, structure and value here: Fall 2013 UCSD Health Nursing Shared Governance Journal