Philosophy of Professional Nursing - Term Paper Example

Philosophy of Professional Nursing Abstract: For all professions, even in Professional Nursing, development of a philosophy of professional practice is a pre-requisite. Not only does it help to shape the ideas, thoughts, and actions of a professional, but also helps in further, developing values which tune in and support the professional practice. Based on the aforementioned premise, this essay aims to discuss the philosophy of professional nursing of the author and investigates the manner in which the author’s philosophy supports the professional nursing practice. This paper also expresses the author’s ideas about the individual, health care environment, health and illness, and nursing. 1.1 Introduction: Today, millions of people are being treated and taken care by the practice of professional nursing. A concept, philosophy, and practice, professional nursing has become the very bane of our existence on which patients depend for care and recovery. Such a profession, just like all others, also has a philosophy, which influences the way a professional thinks, believes, and conducts the nursing practice with care. Professional nursing philosophies differ from one professional to the other, with lines and streaks of contradiction running throughout the practice; however, still, there are certain basic philosophies and theories of professional nursing which help in making up the elements of philosophy development. Today, the major problem in the world of professional nursing remains the understaffing of nurses, apart from the absence of a good role model for prospective nurses. Nurses had been found to top the list in maintaining honesty as well as integrity standards by a research conducted by Gallup Organization (Alberto). The philosophy of the author, which has been discussed in the essay, has been influenced to a great extent by the existing theories and models of professional nursing theorists which have provided the framework for a deeper understanding of the nursing practice. 1.2 Nursing and Theories of Nursing: Nursing is commonly defined as both an art as well as a science that aims to promote a high quality of life. A profession that assists individuals and groups in society to attain and maintain healthy and in proper shape, nursing is an important part of our lives (Wikipedia 2). The practice and profession of professional nursing is, like other professions, founded on certain well-grounded nursing theories. Such theories have several different philosophies, paradigms, or thoughts intertwined with them and on which they are based. Professional nursing theories enable nurses and novices to act towards a specific goal to help individuals (Wikipedia 2). Such theories are studied extensively by nurses in order to formulate their philosophies of professional practice of nursing. Nursing theories form the crux of professional nursing. They support nursing practice, helping them to make informed decisions. Such theories help nurses in gaining knowledge about a variety of subjects and issues which can be applied to professional and actual situations. The knowledge that is gained by nurses from these nursing theories is derived from experimental learning and other sources which may be of a nursing nature or otherwise (Wikipedia) 1. Professional nursing models help in assessing an individual’s requirements and in treating the patient with specialized care. Made up of theories, they are conceptual in nature which guide professional nurses, both experienced and novice, in planning and treating individuals according to their special situation (Wikipedia) 1. At present, multitudes of professional nursing theories exist which have been created, catering to different types of nursing practice. The most strongly believed theory or model of nursing remains the ‘biomedical model’. This model relies on pathophysiology and altered homeostasis, but does not treat the individual as distinct; as an individual having his or her own psychological, politico-economic, and other background (Wikipedia) However, the aforementioned view is in complete contrast to the view stated by the social model of healthcare that stresses on the individual and his or her own distinctness in receiving medical care and treatment. It focuses on changes that can be affected in people’s life that would help in making everyone healthier. This model of professional nursing practice was highly favored and advocated by Florence Nightingale who emphasized on the importance of the environment in medical treatment. She believed that nurses manipulate and modify the environment to make the treatment a success (Wikipedia) 1. Other theories include Dr Joyce Fitzpatrick’s Nursing Theory; Dr Margaret Newman’s Health as Expanding Consciousness; Dr Callista Roy’s Adaptation model; and many more (Calalang-Javier). 1.3 Philosophy of Professional Nursing: Its Elements: The philosophy of professional nursing remains highly interlinked with the theories and models of professional nursing practice. The philosophy followed by the author is largely based on the social model of healthcare which in contrast to the earlier established and much followed theory of biomedical model, places emphasis on treating the individual as a separate being with distinct wants and requirements. Professional nursing practice philosophy remains grounded in ethical code and is committed to patients’ well-being (E-ssortment). 1.4 Philosophy of Nursing and Professional Practice: The core concepts of professional nursing practice remain the Metaparadigms, which include Individual, Environment, Health, and Nursing. Greatly interrelated and interdependent, such paradigms play an extremely important role in the treatment procedure of any individual. The philosophy of professional nursing has to take into account such components which are so very closely related and interconnected to each other. An individual forms the crux of the nursing practice. For the recovery of the individual, it is important that a healthy environment should be present wherein the individual can experience a sense of wellness. In spite of being ill, the individual with a proper healthy and caring environment and adequate nursing can feel healthy and develop a sense of wellness that will further assist in recovery of the individual. Hence, all the four components of the metaparadigms are closely related and interlinked with each other. 1.4.1 Individual: The individual is, as seen by different nursing theorists such as Dr Joyce Fitzpatrick, is one of the first components in the metaparadigms. The philosophy of professional nursing practice takes into account Dr Fitzpatrick’s theory about nursing. The concept or term ‘person’ is an amalgamation of oneself and other people, which looks upon and understands human beings as distinct beings with their own biological, emotional, social, spiritual, and other backgrounds and attitudes. Each person has his or her own self-evaluation and development and experiences which have stemmed from interaction between social settings and environments that do affect the mental wellness or state of affairs of that person (E-ssortment). As also stated by Dr Callista Roy’s Adaptation model, people are seen as individuals or in groups (families, organizations, communities, nations, and society as a whole) (The Roy Adaptation Model). Instead of viewing individuals as the same without any regard to the psychological, sociocultural, or politicoeconomic differences among them, the author believes that the philosophy should include appropriate care and treatment for the patients, taking into account and giving respect to their differences. The philosophy accepts the individual as a distinct personality, having his or her own emotional, physical, and psychological requirements and needs, and further recognizes that the individual belongs to a family, besides belonging to a community. 1.4.2 Healthcare Environment The healthcare environment plays an equally important role in helping the patients to recover or feel better. Florence Nightingale, the greatest nurse of all times, advocated the philosophy of nursing which held that patients and their mind-set could be molded with the change in the healthcare environment. Environment does play an extremely vital part in the treatment process of an individual. Her model was based on the idea that nurses could manipulate the environment to lead to the betterment of the patients. Research shows that individuals do respond to environment. As stated by Helson, adaptation can be defined as a process which involves positive response to the changes in the environment brought about by three different stimuli, namely ‘focal, contextual, and residual’ (The Roy Adaptation Model). According to Dr Callista Roy, in an individual’s involvement, interaction, and adaptation to the environment, every condition and circumstance which surround individuals and groups influence their development to a large extent. Further, such influence also takes into account the interaction and mutuality of ‘people and earth resources’ (The Roy Adaptation Model). Since healthcare environment plays such a crucial role in the recovery and treatment of an individual, the philosophy of professional nursing includes providing a proper, stimulating, interactive, and invigorating environment that would enable the individual to feel better, in spite of being ill. 1.4.3 Health and Illness The concept of health and illness has been defined by specialists in a variety of ways. It is believed to be a state which has roots in the interaction between people and the environment. It depends upon both innate factors as well as from rewarding relationships, professional and specialized care, and goal-oriented behavior (E-ssortment). Health is a state as well as a process that involves active interaction between a person and environment (The Roy Adaptation Model). Besides the aforementioned view, health has also been described in a number of ways such as health cannot be separated from illness. However, an individual who is ailing or chronically ill can also maintain a sense of wellness or wellbeing. The duty of professional nursing remains centered on patients’ wellbeing and health. The nurses recognize the role of environment in interacting and affecting a person’s health and state of mind and hence, plan and design ways by which they can assess, implement, as well as evaluate certain programs which can lead to the wellness of the patients (E-ssortment). 1.4.4 Nursing The fourth component of metaparadigms or nursing is also interconnected with the three other metaparadigms. Nursing can be defined in a number of ways. However, as the American Nurses’ Association holds, it is a practice that involves diagnosing and treating people who have or are threatened with actual or potential problems of health. It is a process of diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care that is being given to any patient (Wikipedia 2). As stated by Dr Callista Roy, ‘Nursing is the science and practice that expands adaptive abilities and enhances person and environmental transformation…Nursing goals are to promote adaptation for individuals and groups in the four adaptive modes, thus contributing to health, quality of life, and dying with dignity…This is done by assessing behavior and factors that influence adaptive abilities and by intervening to expand those abilities and enhance environmental interactions’ (The Roy Adaptation Model). To ensure proper treatment and care of patients, professional nurses often learn and remain up-to-date on latest information by participating in peer review. They plan, design, and implement their acquired knowledge to restore people’s health and maintain a stimulating environment with which the people interact (The Roy Adaptation Model). Thus the philosophy of nursing should take into account the proper background, socioeconomic, sociocultural factors of the individual, provide a stimulating environment for the individual to interact and to feel a sense of wellness even when ill, and finally, to strive to help the individual to adapt and achieve the target goal. 1.5 Discussion and Conclusion: An analysis of the essay reveals that just like other professions, the profession of nursing practice too is grounded in a number of diverse theories and principles. in addition, there is a need for a philosophy to develop for every nurse in the course or beginning of the profession of nursing which helps in guiding thoughts, actions, and duties of the nurse. The philosophy of the author remains influenced and guided by different existing contemporary professional nursing theorists. The author believes that the four metaparadigms of nursing practice are interconnected, whose interplay leads to the recovery of a patient. Nursing is a professional practice which, as acknowledged by many, is an essential part of the society. It requires complete dedication of the nurses to their patients. The philosophy of professional nursing always remains grounded in certain professional code of ethics that recognizes the importance of rights and responsibilities of the nurses. It defines their duties and prescribes altruistic behavior for the wellbeing of patients (Wikipedia). The aforementioned philosophy is also upheld by the author who believes that nursing is a practice, a philosophy, and thought which should recognize every facet of a patient, respecting his or her distinctness, provide the proper environment which will stimulate the patient and develop a sense of wellbeing, and carry out the normal duties of nursing practice that will help in achieving the target goals. References 1. Nursing Theory. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing_theory 2. Nursing. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing 3. An Overview of Joyce Fitzpatrick’s Nursing Theory. E-ssortment. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://oh.essortment.com/joycefitzpatric_rmoj.htm 4. The Nursing Theory Home Page. Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://www.sandiego.edu/academics/nursing/theory/ 5. Nurses.info. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://www.nurses.info/nursing_theory_nursingmodels.htm 6. Calalang-Javier, Helen V. ed. Nursing Site. Bella Online: the voice of women. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/9573.asp 7. Clayton State University. Department of Nursing. (2005) Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://healthsci.clayton.edu/eichelberger/nursing.htm 8. Alberto, June E. (2003). Role Models in Today’s Nursing Environment. Georgia Nursing. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3925/is_200302/ai_n9212438 9. Nelson, Martha A. (2002). Education for Professional Nursing practice: Looking Backward into the Future. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/topic18/tpc18_3.htm 10. The Roy Adaptation Model. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from www.2.bc.edu/~royca/ 11. Girard, Francine, Noreen Linton, and Jeanne Besner (2005). Professional Practice in Nursing: A Framework. Nursing Leadership Online Exclusive. Retrieved July 23, 2006, from http://www.longwoods.com/website/NL/onlineExclusive/NL0605Girard.pdf Read More