The Aspect I Found Most Interesting In The Read

Comment1the Aspect That I Found Most Interesting In The Reading Is The

The aspect that I found most interesting in the reading is the polarity between the older and the newer nursing theories. The older nursing theories are associated with taxonomies and quantitative measures, whereas the newer, more holistic nursing theories focus on qualitative measures and softer phenomena (Shelly, J., 2006). This shift reflects a significant revolution in how nursing is conceptualized, moving from a strictly scientific approach to a more comprehensive integration of the art and science of nursing. The newer theories expand upon the idea that nursing encompasses not only biological and physical aspects but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, thus emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care.

Another compelling aspect is the use of world views to challenge and enrich contemporary nursing ethos through philosophical clarity, religious sensitivity, and proportionate levels of care. This approach advocates for culturally competent care, respecting diverse beliefs and values, and tailoring interventions to meet the varied needs of patients. It underscores the importance of integrating ethical considerations and moral leadership within nursing practice, which becomes especially relevant in multicultural and complex healthcare environments.

Historically, medicine has been viewed as a healing profession rooted in scientific legitimacy, emphasizing diagnosis, treatment, and cure (Starr, P., 1982). This scientific foundation has empowered nurses and physicians to actively intervene in disease processes—to effect cures, prevent illnesses, and eradicate diseases. Hauerwas (1990) highlights how the partnership between science and medicine has shifted the focus predominantly towards curing, often at the expense of the holistic notion of healing rooted in compassion and care.

As a result, the concept of healing—particularly in the holistic sense—has become less prominent in modern medical practice and literature, overshadowed by a focus on cure and technological intervention. Nurses and physicians trained as biomedical scientists tend to prioritize diagnosis and treatment, often neglecting the deeper aspects of healing that encompass emotional and spiritual well-being. This trend raises critical questions about the primary objectives of healthcare—whether it should be solely disease eradication or if it should also encompass the nurturance of the patient's overall well-being.

Conclusion

The contrast between traditional biomedical models and contemporary holistic nursing theories reflects an ongoing evolution in healthcare philosophy. While scientific advancements have undeniably improved health outcomes, there is an increasing recognition of the necessity to incorporate holistic, patient-centered approaches. Future nursing practice must balance the rigor of scientific inquiry with the compassionate art of healing, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses all dimensions of human health. Embracing this duality can foster more ethical, culturally sensitive, and effective nursing interventions that truly respect the dignity and holistic needs of each patient.

References

• Hauerwas, S. (1990). Physicians, moral personhood, and the virtue of love. Journal of Religion & Health, 29(4), 291–300.
• Shelly, J. (2006). Theories of Nursing: A Framework for Professional Practice. Pearson Education.
• Starr, P. (1982). The Social Transformation of American Medicine. Basic Books.
• Puchalski, C., Blatt, K. J., Kogan, A., & Butler, L. (2014). Improving holistic care: Incorporating spirituality into nursing practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32(4), 317–324.
• Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice-Hall.
• Leininger, M. (1994). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. National League for Nursing Press.
• Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. University Press of Colorado.
• Benner, P., et al. (2010). Clinical wisdom and unconscious processing in nursing. Springer Publishing Company.
• Fawcett, J. (2005). Analysis and evaluation of conceptual frameworks for nursing. Image Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 37(4), 331–336.
• Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work. Elsevier Health Sciences.