Although many of the stipulations and expectations of the nursing profession are predetermined by regulatory authorities and bodies, there is a deeper meaning to the profession and the care it provides. For decades, nursing theorists have impacted the care provided by this profession; however, it is also important for every practicing nurse to examine themselves and their personal thoughts and feelings about their chosen profession. As a nurse, I have been able to question myself, determine what nursing means to me, and apply it in my daily interactions with my colleagues, my patients, my families, and the community in which I serve. The nursing metaparadigm serves as a framework for discovering and exploring these thoughts and values ​​as it introduces four concepts: nursing, health, person, and environment. Nursing is a delicate and integral balance of various elements within these concepts. Nurses provide care to others during some of life's most difficult times. For this reason, it is imperative to understand the meaning and application of these concepts and be able to apply this knowledge to the care we provide as a profession. As a nurse, it is important to realize that the care we provide is an extension of what we learn in textbooks; Nursing encompasses understanding and acceptance of others and a continued desire to help and improve society. Nursing encompasses the compassionate, holistic, and virtuous care that nurses provide to patients, families, and communities to help them achieve optimal health and well-being. well-being or achieving comfort and acceptance. Compassionate care encompasses the empathy and willingness to help others that the nursing profession offers...... middle of paper ......r over 12 years now, I've only been a nurse for 15 months . During my short nursing career, I was able to gain awareness and define concepts and personal thoughts about the nursing profession and the care it provides. However, I also recognize that my personal philosophies may change slightly depending on the professional and personal experiences I encounter throughout my life. The nursing care I continually strive to provide embraces compassion, honesty and empathy. I think it's important to remember that people are people, not just illnesses and should be treated as such. The notion of person includes not only oneself, but also individuals, families and communities; the person is for me the real center of interest of the nursing profession. The primary goal of nursing is to help others achieve optimal health or comfort and acceptance..