Personal Philosophy

Statement of Philosophy 2021

“To be a leader, you must serve others.” I first learned this quote in high school and have always carried it with me, hoping I would find my life’s calling that it best describes.  I witnessed my mother, the strongest person I know, serve others as the center of her career. Her dedication and contribution to the world around her left an impression on me. However, I knew I had to embark on my own journey to discover how I would serve. After much exploration, research, and shadowing, I discovered nursing fit perfectly. As a nurse, I want to advocate for those who need and deserve a voice. I use my passion, empathy, attentiveness, and mental endurance to serve my patients, all skills necessary to become a successful nurse practitioner. But as an Adelphi-trained nurse practitioner, I will be afforded the opportunity to become the leader that focuses on improving the health status of the underserved, locally and internationally, one family at a time.

Statement of Philosophy 2023

My philosophy when entering the AGPCNP program was "to be a leader, you must serve others." It is a quote I have heard before, but it became solidified when I saw it repeated when I visited the Florence Nightingale Museum in London. Florence Nightingale's story showed me how passion, creativity, and dedication to patient care make nurses competent leaders. I saw myself as a leader and decided to pursue an advanced degree. As my journey to graduation ends, my perspective has shifted. I realized that the part "you must serve others" is the power behind this quote's impact, and the goal is to focus on serving, not leading. The essence of a master-level prepared nurse's role must include and address diversity, equity, and inclusion; disease prevention, chronic disease care, and focus on delivering primary care; systems-based practice; informatics and technology; academic-practice partnerships; and career-long learning. All these features shape the future of nursing. It involves integrating, revising, and updating information, processes, concepts, and practices in real-time to ensure what we do is evidence-based and relevant. In addition, service is a crucial pillar built into the art of nursing, and master-level prepared nurses have acquired comprehensive knowledge surrounding that pillar, making them fit for leadership. I see myself contributing to the future of nursing by inspiring more people of color, especially passionate black men and women, to enter the nursing field and pursue advanced degrees. From exploring Florence Nightingale's humble beginnings to my journey to my MSN degree, I am reminded that the mission has always been and will always be to serve. Becoming a leader is the result of putting service first.