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Effects Of Previous Hospitalization On The Attitude Problems Of Staff Nurses Of Nueva Ecija Good Samaritan General Hospital

CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

Nursing esthetics is the way in which nursing knowledge is expressed (Kozier, et. al. 2001, p.15). It involves feelings that are gained through subjective experience. It is said to be the “art” and “science” of Nursing (Ibid. p. 15). And it is through the art of nursing that nurses primarily express caring; thus, esthetics includes attitudes, beliefs, and values. Sensitivity and empathy are important facets of Nursing Esthetics. They enable nurses to be aware of the clients’ perspectives and to be attentive to cues of the clients’ physiological state. A nurse who is highly skilled in empathizing with clients has a wider range of interventions for providing effective and satisfying nursing care (Carper 1978, p.17)
On the other hand, personal knowledge is concerned with knowing one’s self. It involves the knowing of self in relation to another and interacting on a person-to-person rather than a role-to-role basis. This pattern enables nurses to treat clients as persons rather than objects. Nurses with developed self-awareness and self-knowledge generally have a better self-concept and are more attuned to their clients (ibid. p.18)
These tools (esthetics and knowledge) are important for a nurse to be proficient. They help the nurse to perceive a situation as whole rather than individual aspects as he focuses on the long-term goals and is oriented towards managing the nursing care of the client rather than performing specific tasks. The holistic understanding improves decision making and makes decisions according to the demands of situation and the lessons of past experiences.
With the clients as the ultimate recipient of care, it is an important role of a nurse to promote what is best for the client, ensuring that his needs are met, and protecting his rights (Dispartin 1988, p. 140). The current nursing programs of colleges and universities prepare an individual to attain these qualities of a...