After Reading This Week’s Assigned Chapters, Think About You
After Reading This Weeks Assigned Chapters Think About Your Nursing
After reading this week’s assigned chapters, think about your nursing philosophy. In your own words, discuss your philosophy of nursing. Reflect on the definition of the four concepts of the nursing meta-paradigm. Write your own definition for each concept of the meta-paradigm of nursing. Which concept would you add to the meta-paradigm of nursing and why? Which concept would you eliminate and why? Your paper should be 1–2 pages in length, in APA format, typed in Times New Roman with 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1" margins. Cite at least one outside source using APA format. Recommended: Before you begin, review chapters 13 and 14 in A Pocket Style Manual (APA) OR click here for examples on how to format in-text citations and reference lists. For instance, if you were using your text as a resource, it would be listed like this on your reference list: McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Paper For Above instruction
My philosophy of nursing is fundamentally rooted in the commitment to holistic, patient-centered care that fosters health, healing, and well-being. I believe that nursing extends beyond clinical interventions to encompass emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of the individual. As such, my approach emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that each patient’s unique needs and preferences are honored. This philosophy aligns with the core values of nursing as an art and science dedicated to improving quality of life and advocating for vulnerable populations. The nursing profession requires a compassionate attitude complemented by evidence-based practice to deliver safe and effective care, while also respecting the dignity of every individual (Alligood, 2014).
In exploring the nursing meta-paradigm, I recognize it comprises four interrelated concepts: person, health, environment, and nursing. Reflecting on each, I offer my personal definitions, along with thoughts on potential additions or eliminations.
Person
In my view, the 'person' is an autonomous, complex individual with unique physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, and spiritual characteristics. Every person possesses innate worth and should be treated with dignity and respect. Nursing care is tailored to the individual's holistic needs, recognizing their capacity for growth, resilience, and self-determination (Fawcett, 2004).
Health
'Health' is a dynamic state encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. It reflects an individual's sense of vitality and balance within their environment and life circumstances. Health is subjective and personal, varying according to individual perceptions and values (George, 2011).
Environment
'Environment' refers to the internal and external conditions that influence a person's health and well-being. This includes physical surroundings, social interactions, cultural influences, and economic factors. A supportive environment promotes healing, comfort, and safety, while adverse conditions may hinder recovery (McEwen & Wills, 2014).
Nursing
'Nursing' is a caring science and art dedicated to promoting health, preventing illness, and supporting individuals through health challenges by applying compassion, knowledge, and evidence-based interventions. It involves advocacy, education, and collaboration to empower individuals toward optimal health outcomes (Fawcett, 2004).
Additional and Eliminated Concepts
I would add 'spirituality' as a distinct concept to the meta-paradigm because spiritual well-being significantly impacts overall health and recovery, yet it is often overlooked in traditional models. Recognizing spirituality emphasizes a more comprehensive, person-centered approach to care.
Conversely, I would consider eliminating 'environment' as a standalone concept because it is often implicitly integrated within the 'person' and 'health' concepts. Its role could be subsumed under a more holistic view that emphasizes social and physical contexts as parts of the individual's overall experience.
Conclusion
My philosophical outlook on nursing underscores the importance of holistic, respectful, and adaptable care that addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals. The conceptualization and evolution of the nursing meta-paradigm should reflect the diversity of patient experiences and the expanding scope of nursing practice, including recognizing spiritual dimensions. By refining these concepts, nursing can continue to evolve as a compassionate and scientifically grounded discipline committed to enhancing human health worldwide.
References
- Alligood, M. R. (2014). Art and science of nursing: A comprehensive approach to nursing theory and practice (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Fawcett, J. (2004). The metaparadigm of nursing: Present status and future refinements. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 36(3), 177-182.
- George, J. B. (2011). Understanding nursing research (5th ed.). Elsevier.
- McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.