This paper embarks on a profound exploration of my nursing philosophy, woven intricately from my diverse experiences as an operating room nurse and a health and wellness nurse. Against the canvas of the four pivotal metaparadigms-patient, environment, nursing, and health, delve deep into their significance and the tapestry they create within the realm of nursing. Anchoring this philosophy is the environmental theory, which offers a lens through which to view nursing practice in conjunction with the environment. Within this framework, I dissect two practice-specific concepts, namely Environmental Sanitation and Ventilation and Sunlight, showcasing their paramount importance within my clinical settings.
Autobiography
The symphony of my nursing journey resonates through the roles I have embraced as an operating room nurse and a health and wellness nurse. The operating room unveiled the intricacies of surgical precision and the art of teamwork, where every gesture is choreographed to ensure patient safety. In my role as a health and wellness nurse, I became an advocate of holistic health, empowering individuals to reclaim ownership of their well-being through education and prevention. These experiences amalgamated to forge a nursing philosophy rooted in compassion, patient advocacy, and the acknowledgment of the environment’s influential role.
The Four Metaparadigms
The four meta paradigms, patient, environment, nursing, and health, form the cornerstone of nursing practice.
Patient
Within the domain of nursing, a patient is far more than a mere medical diagnosis; they embody the essence of vulnerability and the call for care, compassion, and comprehension. Drawing from both my nursing textbook and a broader context, a patient is an individual who seeks medical attention, solace, and therapeutic intervention to navigate the intricate labyrinth of physical, emotional, and psychological concerns (Bredow & Peterson, 2017). This intricate identity is woven from diverse threads-medical history, personal convictions, cultural tapestry, and aspirations. Nursing transcends the tangible, embracing the patient’s intricate narrative and crafting care that holistically addresses their well-being. This ethos emphasizes patient-centered care, where the patient’s voice resonates, autonomy flourishes, and dignity unfalteringly prevails throughout their voyage through healthcare’s intricate tapestry.
Environment
In nursing, the concept of the environment surpasses mere physical surroundings, embracing a dynamic interplay of factors that intricately shape a patient’s well-being and journey to recovery. Broadly, the environment encompasses the intricate tapestry of a person’s existence, spanning the realms of physical, social, cultural, and emotional dimensions (Bredow & Peterson, 2017). In the nursing context, the environment extends its reach to encompass the physical spaces where care is delivered, the emotional landscape crafted by healthcare providers, and the cultural mindfulness demonstrated in embracing patients’ beliefs and backgrounds. This paradigm acknowledges the environment’s agency in actively molding patient experiences, emotions, and ultimate outcomes.
Nursing
Nursing transcends being a mere profession, an intricate calling interwoven with compassion, knowledge, and comprehensive care. In its broader scope, nursing entails delivering healthcare services to individuals, families, and communities. It surpasses the realm of administering treatments, encompassing the mastery of evidence-based practices, the finesse of healing arts, and the depth of empathetic connection (Butts & Rich, 2017). Nursing thrives as a dynamic collaboration between nurse and patient, fostering the cultivation of trust, the dissemination of knowledge, and the tailoring of care to holistically address physical, emotional, and psychological facets of well-being.
Health
The notion of health, both within the realm of nursing and in a broader societal context, encompasses a profound state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, surpassing the mere void of disease. Within nursing’s domain, health surpasses mere physiological markers, enfolded by emotional and spiritual equilibrium. It acknowledges the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing that true well-being necessitates a comprehensive approach (Butts & Rich, 2017). Health is not a static endpoint but an ongoing expedition where nursing plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals to navigate this intricate journey. This empowerment is facilitated through disseminating knowledge, providing support, and implementing interventions that champion holistic wellness.
These foundational meta paradigms are guiding pillars at the bedrock of nursing practice, profoundly shaping nurses’ approach to patient care. They mirror the very essence of nursing’s holistic nature, whereby patients are perceived within the tapestry of their environment, health is perceived as multi-dimensional, and nursing emerges as an empathetic partnership (Butts & Rich, 2017). Analogous to constellations guiding explorers, these meta paradigms provide direction and depth. They serve as the canvas upon which intricate theories like environmental theory are delicately painted, enriching nursing practice with layers of profound significance and enduring meaning.
Chosen Theory: Environmental Theory
The foundation of my nursing philosophy is firmly grounded in the environmental theory, a paradigm that transcends traditional medical models to embrace the profound impact of the environment on patient outcomes. This theory, propounded by the visionary Florence Nightingale, holds that the environment plays an active and instrumental role in shaping the trajectory of patient healing (Gilbert, 2020). This resonates deeply with my own convictions, as I firmly believe that a patient’s well-being is intricately interwoven with their surroundings. This symbiotic connection between the patient and their environment is more than a theoretical concept; it is a guiding principle that illuminates the path towards holistic patient care. In that case, I shall focus on two practice-specific concepts from her theory: environmental sanitation and ventilation and sunlight.
Practice-Specific Concepts
- Environmental Sanitation
Beyond the realm of theory, environmental sanitation entails maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to curtail infections. However, within the environmental theory, the pioneering Florence Nightingale recognizes that a sanitized environment is pivotal to patient recovery. In my role as an operating room nurse, Nightingale’s wisdom is palpable; meticulous adherence to hygiene protocols aligns with her emphasis on the role of sanitation in curbing post-operative infections (Gilbert, 2020). Surgical instruments are sterilized with meticulous care, and every nook and cranny is sanitized—a testament to the translation of theory into action.
- Ventilation and Sunlight
Ventilation and sunlight, in everyday terms, translate to fresh air and natural light. However, Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory elevates these elements to healing agents. Adequate ventilation and sunlight become more than just physical elements; they morph into therapeutic tools (Hussain & Karim, 2020). As a health and wellness nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these elements. Patient rooms are designed to maximize natural light and air circulation, fostering an environment that aligns harmoniously with Nightingale’s tenets. Patients are revitalized by the infusion of nature’s gifts into their healing space.
Conclusion
My odyssey in nursing, traversing the operating room and health and wellness domains, has woven a tapestry rich in experiences and convictions. The meta paradigms -patient, environment, nursing, and health- illuminate my path, guiding me through the complex terrain of nursing practice. The environmental theory acts as a compass and lodestar, echoing the interplay between a patient’s well-being and surroundings. The concepts of Environmental Sanitation and Ventilation and Sunlight are its palpable manifestations, demonstrating their real-world impact. As I forge ahead, I am unwavering in my commitment to integrating these principles, nurturing the environment-patient connection, and contributing to the holistic well-being of those entrusted to my care.
References
Gilbert, H. A. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and its influence on contemporary infection control. Collegian, 27(6), 626-633.
Hussain, A., & Karim, K. (2020). Enhancing Patient’s Surrounding: Application of Nightingale’s Environmental Theory into Nursing Practice. i-Manager’s Journal on Nursing, 10(1), 45.
Bredow, T. S., Peterson, S.J. (2017). Middle range theories: Application to nursing research and practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2017). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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