Discuss The Concept Of Personhood Used In Nursing

Discuss The Concept Of Personhood As Used In The Nursing As Caring The

Discuss the concept of personhood as used in the nursing as caring theory. Submission instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points. You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response). All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible. Please post your initial response by 11:59 PM ET Thursday, and comment on the posts of two classmates by 11:59 PM ET Sunday. You can expect feedback from the instructor within 48 to 72 hours from the Sunday due date.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of personhood is a central theme in nursing philosophy, especially within the framework of Nursing as Caring, proposed by Boykin and Schoenhofer (2001). This theory emphasizes that nursing practice is fundamentally about recognizing and nurturing the personhood of each individual. Understanding personhood in this context involves appreciating the inherent dignity, uniqueness, and agency of every person, which are crucial for providing holistic and compassionate care. This essay explores the concept of personhood as used in the Nursing as Caring theory, its philosophical foundations, implications for nursing practice, and its significance in fostering meaningful nurse-patient relationships.

The Nursing as Caring theory diverges from traditional biomedical models that often focus predominantly on disease pathology and technical interventions. Instead, it underscores the relational and existential aspects of nursing, framing care as an act that honors the personhood of patients. Boykin and Schoenhofer (2001) define personhood as an individual’s sense of self, which encompasses their values, beliefs, and life experiences. Recognizing personhood entails seeing the patient as a whole person—integrated, meaningful, and deserving of respect regardless of their health status or circumstances. This perspective aligns with the client-centered care paradigm, emphasizing that each person’s uniqueness must guide nursing interventions and interactions.

Philosophically, the concept of personhood in Nursing as Caring draws heavily from existentialist and humanistic traditions, particularly the works of Jean Watson (1988) and Martin Buber (1923). Watson advocates for a caring science that focuses on authentic human connections, while Buber’s “I-Thou” relationship underscores genuine dialogue rooted in mutual respect and empathy. These philosophies highlight the importance of recognizing the person beyond their illness or social identity, fostering a caring relationship characterized by presence, attentiveness, and compassion. In this view, personhood is not merely an individual trait but a connected state rooted in meaningful relationships and mutual recognition.

In practical terms, acknowledging personhood influences how nurses approach care delivery. It encourages nurses to see beyond symptoms and diagnoses, recognizing the patient’s narrative, values, and preferences. For example, when nurses affirm a patient’s autonomy and involve them in decision-making, they uphold the person's dignity and sense of self. This approach not only improves patient satisfaction but also promotes healing by empowering individuals as active participants in their care (Newman, 2014). Moreover, caring for personhood involves maintaining emotional presence, demonstrating genuine concern, and creating a therapeutic environment conducive to healing and well-being.

Furthermore, the Nursing as Caring theory challenges nurses to reflect on their own understanding of personhood, encouraging self-awareness and growth. When nurses recognize their own personhood, they are better equipped to foster caring relationships rooted in mutual respect and authenticity. Such self-awareness enhances empathy and minimizes barriers that can impede genuine connections.

In conclusion, the concept of personhood in Nursing as Caring is fundamental to holistic nursing practice. It emphasizes recognizing and respecting each individual’s inherent dignity and uniqueness, fostering authentic relationships that transcend merely transactional care. This perspective transforms nursing from a task-oriented profession to a compassionate, human-centered art dedicated to honoring the personhood of every patient. As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing this concept will remain vital in promoting ethical, respectful, and impactful nursing care.

References

• Boykin, A., & Schoenhofer, S. (2001). Nursing as caring: A model for transformational change. Nursing Science Quarterly, 14(1), 60-63.
• Jean Watson. (1988). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. University Press of Colorado.
• Martin Buber. (1923). I and Thou. Edinburgh: T&T Clark.
• Newman, M. A. (2014). Transforming care: Patient narrative and person-centered practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32(1), 3-4.
• Schoenhofer, S. O. (2017). Nursing as Caring: A Human Science Concept. Nursing Science Quarterly, 20(2), 151–156.
• Rew, L., & Thomas, J. (2014). Caring and the human experience: Philosophy, theory, and practice. Nursing Forum, 49(4), 220-226.
• Watson, J. (1988). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. Colorado: University Press of Colorado.
• McWilliam, C. (2004). Understanding the concept of personhood. Nursing Philosophy, 5(4), 255-267.
• Chinn, P. L., & Kramer, M. K. (2015). Integrated Theory and Knowledge Development in Nursing. Elsevier.
• Benner, P., & Wrubel, J. (1989). The Primacy of Caring: Stress and Coping in Health and Illness. Addison-Wesley.