The Sociology of Nursing and Patient Care - Essay Example

Running head: SOCIOLOGY OF NURSING The Sociology of Nursing and Patient Care You’re Throughout history there has always been a unique hint of sociological thought within the field of nursing. This paper gives rise to this thought process and how the actions within nursing focus on a more sociological mind set, more so than anything else. The emphasis in this paper is that one’s own actions (in this case that of a nurse’s) have either a positive or adverse affect on patient outcomes. This research goes on to develop this thought into the four different areas of sociological imagination such as, the historical, structural, cultural and critical areas of individual and group nursing activities and how they relate to patient care. This paper follows an observational approach to analyze the abilities of a nurse’s routine with this particular patient, using literary materials and a reflective type of perspective. The conclusion emphasizes how the use of sociological thought can be of benefit to the role of a nurse and the patient, as well as how it can be manifested to categorize the different processes that define sociological imagination in the profession of nursing and medical care itself. The Sociology of Nursing and Patient Care The story of “Peeling the Onion” is about a young girl who has been in a severe car accident. The scenarios that transpire define how the role of nurses sociologically affect the patients own behaviors and emotions by the way in which the interactions take place. Obviously this poor girl is suffering form multiple injuries and is lucky to be alive; however the nurses and medical doctors that are depicted in the story give rise to numerous concerns from a sociological context. Wright C. Mills coined theory of, “sociological imagination” gives clarification to this girl’s problem, as his theorization was designed to understand the social realization of an individuals own adversities based upon the social position they might find themselves, such as in this young girl’s current predicament (The Excerpt of Sociological Imagination 2006). Firstly, one of the main negativities that are found in this girl’s circumstance is in how the nursing staffs relative indifference towards this patient makes her feel alienated, which could also pose as a complication from a cultural perspective since the racial identity is left to be questioned. Also, when a sociological analysis is utilized to try and understand the historical context of situations such as these, it is evident why people have developed such a fear of possibly not receiving the appropriate care that they require in many medical facilities. Mills himself points out that it is the past experiences and history of them that affect individuals social perspectives the most. Furthermore, this girls personal concerns seem to be compounded when the nurses seem to not have time to properly care for any of their patients. This leads to a realization of not only an adverse reaction in the history of nursing care in this hospital, but also a concern with the structure of the nursing care in it as well. To extend these ideas further, it is observed that although this patient needs critical care it does not appear that she is receiving exactly what she requires except within a mundane and routine manner. Sociologists would claim, although this type of treatment might be of benefit to her body, from a psychological and sociological perspective it might just leave her with negative feelings about her treatment and her stay at the hospital for the rest of her life. As has been stated a sociological perspective is being used to analyze the literary material that has been presented. What the sociological analysis actually is defining in this particular case is how the patients own problems are affecting her feelings into how she is being treated in the medical facility of which she finds herself. Sociological analysis helps in cases such as this one in that it allows for the fuller picture of the circumstances to be evidenced. For example, this young girl can not even get a nurse to come and assist her to the rest room, and the actions of the nurses’ hint at the possibility their hearts are not even in their work. Goold (2001) gives confirmation to the fact that these various actions of the nurses this patient is being forced to endure places an adversity onto this girl’s sociological perspective of medical facilities and the treatment of patients. As Goold points out, trust is a big sociological issue among patients and the ethical role of the doctors plays a large part as well. Also, through the theory of contemporary modernism and its concept of healthcare, it is easily perceived how this patients health risks have increased due to the improper care and monitoring she has been receiving from the majority of the medical staff. The sociology of nursing requires that nurses pay close attention to their patients needs so that they feel comfortable and relaxed at all times. In this case, the author finds that these nurses are not fulfilling the historic roles that are established for nurses. Their behaviors are adverse and uncaring, making the patient feel uncared for and neglected. This is not something that is realistic of the nurses’ role whatsoever. Furthermore, Emily Durkehims’ idea about social theory fits well into this scenario. Society has an explicit idea of how nurses, as well as doctors should relate to their patients and the care that is given. In Emily Durkehims’ theory it is coined the, “sick role”. In this particular case these doctors and nurses are failing to fill the role that society has seen them in through a sociological ideal. They seem unstructured and incompetent in their roles to properly diagnosis the injuries of the patient and care for her in a manner that is respectful, caring, and dignified. This of course creates many adversities between doctor / patient care, and in a case such as this there can not be a building of trust between the two. There is no faith between the nurses and the patient in regards to the type of care that is being given. The only priority this patient is being given, (as has been stated) is in regards to pain control, which has been observed to be performed in a routine manner, without any real concern for the patient, of course from the author’s observations. To look at this situation using a Weberienism theorization, the author can readily observe the fact that there seems to be no managerial control nor regulations in the actions of the nurses with this patient and various other ones as well. In a normal medical environment there is logically suppose to be sound organizational structure, decent and compassionate care of the patients, and strong managerial skills as well. In this story though, it is lacking of all of these very necessary functions which show it to be impacting the correct structure for proper medical treatment to be delivered, a void of social guidance by any head supervisor, and a lack of compassion and understanding that is also essential in developing the patient/ nurse trust ratio. In conclusion, the view of the author through the observation of this scenario shows that the patients’ personal problems have become worsened due to the lack of proper diagnosis and treatment from the medical facility she is in. Furthermore, the nurses’ behaviors and attitudes towards caring for her have increased her anxiety and stress, placing more problems upon this patient due to her social environment. It is circumstances such as these that not only lead to more adversities and discomforts for the patients but also for the extended family as well. The sociological impact from this experience has proven to be very far from positive due to the lack of understanding and communication between the patient and her family and the medical staff. If the proper treatment plan would have been followed through correctly, and the care managed professionally, then perhaps the sociological disadvantages that have been observed could have been avoided altogether. However, due to the various complications that concreted the patients’ problems, the outcome is seemingly an adverse one for her, her family, and friends. References Goold, Susan. (2001). Trust and the Ethics of Healthcare Institutions. The Hastings Center Report, 31, 1. (2006). The Excerpt of Sociological Imagination. Retrieved May 6, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/~wood/207socioimagination.htm Read More