NUR 501 Module 6 Discussion Personhood

Sample Answer for NUR 501 Module 6 Discussion Personhood

The Centrality of Personhood in the Nursing as Caring Theory 

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The “Nursing as Caring” theory, initiated by nurse scholars such as Patricia Benner and Anne Boykin, gradually recognizes the concept of personhood as a critical element of nursing practice. This essay tackles the many-sided meaning of personhood within this paradigm and provides insights into nurse-patient relations and quality of care. 

The theory suggests that personhood does not remain a steady condition but becomes a complicated mechanism incorporated into loving relationships. Through personal interaction and presence, the nurses positively impact the development of the patient’s self. This is a phenomenon Kyuler and Johnson (2023) explain when they state that the manner of nursing care impacts patients, which is a crucial determinant of their health outcomes. When nurses display empathy, respect autonomy, and have an attitude of desire to grasp the patient’s unique experience, they create an atmosphere that strengthens and enhances the personhood of the patient even when he/she is ill. 

Nursing theorists view “Nursing as Caring” as a theory that reflects what people do daily and the most valuable things about being human. Emotional attachment and caring are conveyed through empathic actions, listening, doing necessary things, offering emotional support, and how the nurse feels care for a person or a patient. This caring environment, having a cyclical nature, is a source of linkage that acknowledges the patient’s vulnerability while recognizing their inner strengths and potential for progress. Tieu et al. (2022) express that person-oriented care is not balanced, as care cannot be fully considered if the relationship is disregarded. The theory concludes that, without care itself, care cannot refer to a person as a patient. 

The theory not only considers the physical aspect but also grasps the idea of the patient dealing with emotional, spiritual, and social problems. Such holistic care does not view a patient’s illness as the only aspect of their personhood but finds meaning in all layers of their life. The nurses meet the patients on the principles of “person-centered care,” which means focusing on the humanity of a human being as a unique person with his or her own story, values, and experiences. 

Even though the “Nursing as Caring” theory comes up with a brilliant route for the practice, some problems need to be covered. Sickness may cause severe intangible symptoms, e.g., the patient’s ability to express feelings may diminish. Nurses need to manoeuvre through the affairs where patients cannot be in a position to make decisions or are in a severe state of cognitive decline (Kuyler & Johnson, 2023). The enforcement of personhood during those moments might need the family’s cooperation; lobbying for the patient’s welfare may be required depending on the case scenario; and the past reports of the patient may need to be used to understand his potential wishes. 

The personality of the authority of care is the fundamental concept of this theory, which is focused on developing professional nursing practice above the technical aspects of care. Getting the actual relationship, admitting the individuality of the patients, and thinking about their dignity as human beings help nurses be advisors and contributors to the patients’ inner development and the process of individual growth. This theoretical perspective forms the basis for understanding the connection between the art and the scientific principles of nursing. As the ultimate effect of high-quality patient experiences, this connection brings meaning and strength. 

References 

Kuyler, A., & Johnson, E. (2023). Critically ill patients’ experiences of nursing care and the effect on their personhood: A retrospective study. Nursing Open, 10(10), 6903-6911. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1944  

Links to an external site. 

Tieu, M., Mudd, A., Conroy, T., Pinero de Plaza, A., & Kitson, A. (2022). The trouble with personhood and person‐centred care. Nursing Philosophy, 23(3), e12381. https://doi.org/10.1111/nup.12381  

Sample Answer 2

Personhood 

In the context of healthcare, caring goes beyond offering medical care as it embodies respect, understanding and compassion that promote general wellness. This kind of sympathetic approach is explored in the Nursing as caring theory that was developed by Anne Boykin. It stresses the importance of fostering loving relationships between nurses and patients. Basically, the philosophy recognizes that people are interconnected and that each person has distinct experiences, values and inherent worth. According to this paradigm, personhood covers all facets of life including the physical, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions (Evans, 2024). This helps nurses give patients complete treatment that encourages recovery, resiliency as well as a sense of wholeness.. 

Comprehending the way nurses handle patient care revolves around the idea of personhood. Firstly, personhood within this paradigm promotes a complementary relationship between nurses and patients thus withdrawing from a hierarchical viewpoint. In order to grant patients a voice in their care process, this method advocates shared decision-making and active participation. Personhood develops patients’ sense of autonomy and choice by encouraging partnership and enabling them to take responsibility for their health (Didier et al., 2023). A therapeutic alliance, trust and respect are fostered in this mutually beneficial connection which enhances patient outcomes and makes receiving healthcare more satisfying. 

Second, personhood encompasses the establishment of therapeutic environments in healthcare facilities besides extending beyond individual interactions. Nurses create places that focus on patient comfort and their healing process for this idea guides their decisions. To improve the patient’s experience, this entails protecting patient privacy, providing emotional support along with incorporating natural and artistic components (Wei & Watson, 2019). Nurses offer an integrated approach to healthcare that addresses psychological and emotional requirements in addition to physical problems which bring about positive outcomes and patient satisfaction. They do this through establishing healing settings that support recovery and emotional repair. 

Moreover, the idea of genuine presence and personhood are closely related in Nursing as Caring. This urges for nurses to be attentive and remain present throughout their encounters with patients, attending to their physical and emotional needs simultaneously. Meaningful engagement, empathic understanding and attentive listening are all aspects of authentic presence which builds respect between people and a strong bond (Didier et al., 2023). Nurses promote a healing environment that nurtures trust, sympathy and fruitful interactions by demonstrating authentic presence that acknowledges and honors the humanity of patients. This method improves the general level of healthcare delivery by allowing nurses to give customized, compassionate care that takes into account each patient’s particular requirements and preferences. 

In essence, Nursing as Caring stresses the patient’s complete well-being and is informed by the values of empathy, collaboration and actual presence. Nurses establish healing conditions that encourage mutual respect, confidence and sensitivity by appreciating the interconnection of people and by building humane relations. Patients who feel free to actively engage in their care have better results and a more gratifying healthcare experience. In the end, this theory illustrates the value of caring treatment that values the distinctive experiences of every person further supporting an excellent healthcare delivery culture. 

References 

Didier, A., Nathaniel, A., Scott, H., Look, S., Benaroyo, L. & Zumstein-Shaha, M. (2023). Protecting personhood: A classic grounded theory. Qualitative Health Research, 33(13): 1177-1188. Retrieved from: doi: 10.1177/10497323231190329  

Links to an external site. 

Evans, J.H. (2024). Personhood and the public’s definitions of a human. The American Journal of Bioethics, 24(1): 49–51. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2023.2278543  

Links to an external site. 

Wei, H. & Watson, J. (2019). Healthcare interprofessional team members’ perspectives on human caring: A directed content analysis study. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 6(1): 17-23. Retrieved from: doi: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2018.12.001