Michelle Stuart, RN
The University of Texas at Arlington
In partial fulfillment of the requirements of
N3645 Transition to Professional Nursing
Mary Wise, RN, MSN
November 18, 2012
Online RN-BSN
Introduction After seventeen years in the nursing profession I realize each day is a learning experience. As my experiences evolve so do some of my beliefs and values. However, I believe nursing at its core has fundamentals that are unwavering. The essence of nursing: Caring, empathy, honesty, trust, communication, and respect have transcended all theories. What follows will be a discussion of how I was called to nursing and my vision for my future in the nursing profession. I will also discuss my …show more content…
Nursing at its core is caring, empathy, honesty, trust, communication and respect. I believe the fundamental core of nursing is caring. If you cannot give of yourself to others you are missing the essence of nursing. “In 2003 the ANA stated that an essential feature of professional nursing is the provision of a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing” (as cited in Meyer & Lavin, 2005, para. 1). Another fundamental core of nursing is respect. The nurse must have respect for the patient and their beliefs. Without this basic respect there will remain a lack of trust on the patient’s part to divulge necessary information that can facilitate their recovery. Listening encompasses both verbal and nonverbal communication between the patient and nurse. Developing a relationship based on trust helps foster communication between the patient and nurse. Listening helps identify issues that can hinder the accomplishment of goals that have been set for the patient’s recovery. Jean Watson’s Caring Theory is comprised of ten carative factors that can foster a caring relationship between the patient and the nurse. According to Chantal Cara (A Pragmatic View, Introduction, para. 2) “upholding Watson’s caring theory not only allows the nurse to practice the art of caring, to provide compassion to ease patients’ and families’ suffering, and to promote their healing and dignity but it can also …show more content…
A patient’s cultural beliefs and values can greatly affect the family’s perception of the health care system and the individual roles family members assume in a time of illness. In the Gypsy culture hospitals are feared and avoided whenever possible. “Most Gypsies will go to a hospital only if they are in serious danger of dying or if they view the situation as a crisis” (Sutherland, 1992, p.278). “For Gypsies, illness is not just the concern of the individual, it is a problem of broader social importance. Families coming together when someone is ill is one of the strongest values in Gypsy culture” (Sutherland, 1992, p.277). Hispanic immigrants may be reluctant to seek medical attention because of their immigrant status. “They may be afraid of the clinical staff and may consider them members of a government agency such as INS” (Poma, 1983, p. 945). Among Hispanics, the support provided by the extended family is very important. In 1986 Reinert stated “important decisions are made by the entire family. Family decisions may supersede decisions made by the health care provider” (as cited in Gordon, 1994, pp.