Which statement best describes the scope of Philosophies of Nursing?

• A. Clinical guidelines and policies
• B. Beliefs, expression, values in nursing about person, environment, health, caring
• C. Hospital revenue strategies
• D. Licensure requirements

Answer: (B)

Philosophies of nursing describe what nurses believe about the nature of nursing and its purpose, including how care is expressed and what is valued in the nursing relationship. This scope centers on beliefs, meanings, and moral commitments—how nurses view the person receiving care, the environment that affects health, and the central role of caring in nursing practice. It informs how nurses approach patients, define goals of care, and guide ethical decisions and interactions.

Clinical guidelines and policies are about standardized procedures and practices used to implement care. Hospital revenue strategies focus on financial management, which is outside the philosophical basis of nursing. Licensure requirements pertain to regulatory credentials and legal qualifications. Therefore, the statement about beliefs, expressions, and values in nursing about person, environment, health, and caring best captures the scope of nursing philosophy.