NURS-201 Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing

Introduction To Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing

This Owlisdom guide aims to assist nursing students in completing the NURS-201 Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing assignment focused on conceptual frameworks, the history of nursing, and the connection between nursing theory and nurse education. The NURS-201 Week 2 assignment involves reflecting on nursing theories, formulating a personal nursing philosophy, and engaging in peer discussions to deepen understanding and application of these concepts.

Choose a theory/theorist that interests you. Describe the main ideas of the theory and how the theorist conceptualises the four main nursing focuses (nursing, person, health, and environment). Be sure to note the aspects of this theory that make it unique from other nursing theories (in other words, what important contributions does this theory make to our understanding of nursing?).

Choose a Theory/Theorist

• Identify a Theory/Theorist: Review the lecture PowerPoint and select a nursing theorist whose ideas resonate with you. Consider theorists like Florence Nightingale, Jean Watson, or Dorothea Orem.
• Main Ideas of the Theory: Summarize the core concepts of the chosen theory. Focus on how the theorist defines nursing, the person, health, and the environment.

Describe the Main Ideas and Conceptualization

In this section of NURS-201 Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing, we will discuss the Main Ideas and Conceptualization.

• Nursing: How does the theory define nursing practice?
• Person: What is the theorist’s view on the individual receiving care?
• Health: How is health conceptualised within the theory?
• Environment: What role does the environment play in this theory?

Highlight Unique Aspects and Contributions

• Unique Contributions: Identify what makes this theory stand out from others. What are its key contributions to the field of nursing?

Example

One nursing theorist whose work significantly influences modern nursing is Jean Watson. Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasises the humanistic aspects of nursing combined with scientific knowledge. Central to her theory are the concepts of care and love as essential components of nursing. Watson conceptualises nursing as a practice that goes beyond mere medical treatment to encompass holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. She views the person as a holistic being with unique needs and experiences, health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and the environment as a critical element influencing health and healing. Watson’s unique contribution lies in her focus on the caring relationship between nurse and patient, advocating for practices that promote empathy, compassion, and respect.

Nursing theories and philosophies are foundational to guiding care and establishing standards in nursing practice. These theories offer unique perspectives on what nursing is and means to theorists, influencing how care is delivered and perceived. At Bryan College of Health Sciences School of Nursing, the conceptual framework supports curriculum development and reflects core beliefs about nursing. This paper aims to reflect on the fundamental beliefs of the nursing program, explore personal nursing beliefs, and examine the perspectives of notable nursing theorists.

2. Write your own personal nursing philosophy. Include
a) beliefs surrounding providing person-centred care.

Beliefs Surrounding Person-Centered Care

• Core Beliefs: Articulate your core beliefs about providing care that is centred on the individual’s needs and preferences.
• Application: Explain how you will incorporate these beliefs into your daily nursing practice.

b) The role of communication between the nurse and the patient.

The Role of Communication

In this section of NURS-201 Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing, we will discuss the role of communication.

• Importance of Communication: Discuss the significance of effective communication between the nurse and the patient.
• Strategies: Outline strategies you will use to ensure clear and compassionate communication in your practice.

c) How will you overcome barriers in practising your nursing philosophy (e.g., how will you implement it on days when you have a difficult shift?)

Overcoming Barriers in Practice

• Identifying Barriers: Consider potential challenges you might face in practising your nursing philosophy (e.g., difficult shifts, resource constraints).
• Implementation Strategies: Develop practical solutions and strategies to overcome these barriers and remain committed to your philosophy.

Example

Developing my personal nursing philosophy involves a commitment to providing person-centred care, emphasising the individuality of each patient. My beliefs are rooted in the importance of holistic care that respects and addresses the diverse needs of patients. Communication plays a crucial role in my philosophy, as it is essential for building trust, understanding patient needs, and delivering effective care. Overcoming barriers to practising my philosophy involves strategies such as mindfulness and self-care to maintain resilience during challenging shifts. By staying committed to my core beliefs and continuously seeking to improve my communication skills, I can ensure that my nursing practice remains patient-focused and compassionate, even in the face of difficulties.

Conclusion

In summary, this reflection highlights the significance of understanding nursing theories and developing a personal nursing philosophy that aligns with the core values of holistic and compassionate care. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring serves as an inspiration for integrating empathy and scientific knowledge in nursing practice. The insights gained from this exploration will guide my approach to patient care, ensuring it is both effective and human-centred.

Following your post, read and respond to one of your peers’ posts. In your response to your peer, compare and contrast your nursing theorist explanations and nursing philosophies. How are they similar, and how are they different? How will each of these impact your practice as a nursing student?

Engaging with Peer Posts

In this section of NURS-201 Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing, we will discuss Engaging with Peer Posts.

1. Compare and Contrast Theorists and Philosophies

• Peer Review: Read a peer’s post and compare their chosen theorist and nursing philosophy with your own.
• Similarities and Differences: Highlight both similarities and differences in your explanations and philosophies.

2. Impact on Nursing Practice

• Reflect on Impact: Discuss how these different theories and philosophies will influence your practice as a nursing student.
• Personal Insights: Share any new insights or perspectives you gained from your peer’s post.

Peer Post

Hello Peter,

I enjoyed reading your post on Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. Nightingale’s focus on the significance of a clean and well-ventilated environment complements Jean Watson’s emphasis on a caring, supportive environment. Both theories underscore the importance of surroundings in patient care, though they differ in approach. Nightingale’s theory prioritises physical cleanliness, while Watson’s centres on the emotional and spiritual aspects of care. My nursing philosophy, which emphasises transpersonal caring relationships, contrasts with your focus on hygiene and physical health. These differences highlight the diverse approaches within nursing that can collectively enhance patient care. Integrating both perspectives, I plan to maintain a clean environment while also fostering caring relationships, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient well-being.

Conclusion

In completing this assignment of NURS-201 Week 2: Issues & Trends in Professional Nursing, you will gain a deeper understanding of foundational nursing theories and philosophies and develop your own nursing philosophy. Engaging with your peers will enrich your perspective and prepare you for practical application in your nursing career. The key takeaway is the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with personal beliefs to provide holistic and effective patient care. In the next module of NURS-201, we will explore Week 3 – Health Definitions & Healthcare Environment.