A coat of arms is an assortment of symbols arranged into a meaningful whole on a shield that indicates the qualities of a particular organization. For the individual scholarly paper, we created a coat of arms displaying three key qualities of a professional nurse. The first key quality chosen was integrity, which is the characteristic of being honest. The second key quality chosen was knowledge, which specifically applies to the understanding of nursing information and skills. The third key quality chosen was altruism, which is selflessness.
The coat of arms our group created is in the shape of a crest. The crest is divided into three sections by quality. At the top left of the crest is the symbol of altruism, which is a podium stand. At
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The symbol of knowledge is placed at the top right of the crest. In our symbol is a picture of a brain with the words nursing skills written on the brain. The brain is coloured pink and the background of the symbol is yellow. Knowledge is a very important quality every professional nurse should have. It is important for nurses to possess the information and skills they need to perform their roles, just like any other profession. The symbol of knowledge is a brain with “nursing skills” in it because all registered nurses should be educationally prepared to base their practice on complex nursing knowledge distinct to the discipline (Butts, Fawcett, & Rich, 2012). One reason why nursing is a unique profession is because nurses work with other professions such as doctors, dietitians, and physiotherapists to help patients. However, it is important for each discipline to fully understand the conceptual models, theories, practice focus, and research methods (Butts et al., 2012). Examples of knowledge professional nurses should possess is the nursing metaparadigm – human beings, environment, health, and nursing. Another reason why knowledge is important is because it provides nurses a rationale for what they do and why they do it (Butts et al., 2012). In the article, Butts et al. (2012) believe that nurses who lack nursing knowledge are indicating that nursing is no more than a …show more content…
The symbol of this quality is at the top left on the shield. The symbol is a three-tier podium stand. In third place are the nurses, in second place is the hospital, and in first place is the patient. We used the colour brown for the podium and blue for the background. Under the symbol the word altruism is written. Altruism is defined as concern for the welfare of others rather than one’s own (Johnson, Haigh, & Yates-Bolton, 2007). Examples of altruism in professional nursing may be willing to change shifts, always being kind to patients, going out of your way to help a patient, etc. In our symbol, the patients were in first place and the hospital in second place, both ahead of the nurses. Our symbol also places nurses in third place because it is important that nurses are altruistic for him or herself to prevent stress or burnout at work. However, because of the stresses and strains of nursing, the profession has become less altruistic (Johnson et al., 2007). Altruism is important in nursing is because it allows a more positive and healing environment within a nurse-patient
Nursing’s development from an occupation to a profession follows the devotion and sacrifice of many amazing women throughout history. Considered to be one of the oldest professions, women have performed what could be considered nursing duties since the beginning of time. Although there have been many events and many individuals who have contributed to nursing’s evolution from the occupation it was once considered to the profession that now exists, the development of formal education opportunities and scholarly resources and the women who created them is what fascinates me most. Without knowing, each of the following five women helped lay the groundwork for what Lucie Kelly, RN, PhD, FAAN, eventually termed the eight characteristics of a profession
Nursing is a profession whose focus is not only to care for the physical aspects of an illness but also to integrate the psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of the client’s life into their care. The values of the nursing profession are based upon the teachings of Florence Nightingale; a pioneer of the nursing profession. Nursing is not only based on scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice, but also on a foundation of moral values that help provide the client with the most humane care possible. A Coat of Arms is the integration of a variety of symbols that illustrate the values of a family, person, or in this case; a profession. A Coat of Arms is not only used to symbolize values, but is perceived as a sign of honour and power. A Coat of Arms that effectively represents the Nursing profession must include symbols that illustrate the values of leadership, advocacy, critical thinking, knowledge, professionalism; and empathy that are part of everyday nursing. My group and I came together to create a Coat of Arms that clearly represents our vision and beliefs about the nursing profession, while also integrating the values mentioned beforehand. Our Coat of Arms consists of a shield with puzzle pieces, a question mark, and the outline of a brain as its background. At the top of the shield lies the figure of a lion alongside a balanced scale. At the bottom of the shield two hands come together to form a heart, and finally a man and a woman are pictured on both sides of the shield. This Coat of Arms is a clear depiction of what we, as a group, perceive the nursing profession to be.
Carper’s (1978) pivotal work of identifying nursing’s ways of knowing was a seminal work that laid the foundation for further analysis. Her ways of knowing have identified methods that have allowed the nursing discipline to further its own knowledge as well as the profession. Two other ways of knowing have emerged, Munall’s (1993) “unknowing” pattern; and also sociopolitical knowing by Zander (2011, p. 9) or emancipatory pattern (Chinn & Kramer, 2011, p. 5). Here these patterns are discussed through experiences in my personal practice.
Around the 1960s, nursing educational leaders wanted to formulate a nursing theory that contained knowledge and basic principles to guide future nurses’ in their practice (Thorne, 2010, p.64). Thus, Jacqueline Fawcett introduced the metaparadigm of nursing. Metaparadigm “identifies the concepts central to the discipline without relating them to the assumptions of a particular world view” (MacIntyre & Mcdonald, 2014). Fawcett’s metaparadigm of nursing included concepts of person, environment, health, and nursing that were interrelated. The metaparadigm ultimately contributed to conceptual framework to guide nurses to perform critical thinking and the nursing process in everyday experiences in clinical settings.
There are several professional values that a nurse must possess altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justices are among these. Altruism is being concerned for the well-being and welfare of others; this includes their patients and colleagues. This is demonstrated daily through understanding cultural differences, considering the perspectives of others and mentoring others
"Philosophy is an attitude towards life that evolves from each nurses’ beliefs" (Parker, 2001). It is the philosophy that underlies our practice what brings to life our desire to be nurses. Philosophy is essential because it is the natural extension of our interest in knowing the truth (Parker, 2001). A metaparadigm is the widest perspective of the discipline and a way to describe the concepts that concern the profession of nursing (McEwen & Wills, 2014). In this paper, my philosophy of nursing will be discussed through reflection on the four nursing metaparadigm concepts to determine if anything should be added or taken out.
Some foresee their death and lack to feel the need of adhering to medication or advice from the practitioners. As a nurse who has learned the art of patient care, I try to revive the hope of the patients through cases of other patients who have been in the same situation but are still alive and healthy. Providing assurance to my patients has been a product of learning and understanding the essence of patient care. Vaughn and Spetz (2013) assert that there is a significant relationship between nursing education and the delivery of quality care for nurses. From the research, registered nurses with high education levels decreased the mortality rate for patients considerably. A different study by Weinberg, Cooney-Miner, and Perloff (2012) articulate that the hospital-based research conducted indicates that registered nurses having a baccalaureate of science in nursing were linked to low mortality rates among patients. As such, it is evident that education plays a critical role in the nursing career. As an individual, nursing education has increased my level of empathy when addressing various issues within the society. I am more
...nce in the outcomes for many. Knowledge grants others the ability to fulfill their duties across a spectrum of fields and for nurses; it allows them to make decision that can improve the outcome of patient's health. Nurses are a vital backbone to the healthcare system and through research they are able to continue to expand their roles, knowledge, and abilities on a professional and personal level.
Throughout this philosophy paper, I have explored what nursing is based on my personal values and beliefs as it relates to the body of work in nursing. I value the importance of holistic nursing and the care of patients being individualized for them and their family. Also, effectively collaborating among health care professionals to ensure quality care for patients. Additionally, the importance of health promotion as one of the main roles of nurses is being a teacher, since promoting health prevents illness and increases the level of health in clients. These principles will serve as a guide for my personal standards of nursing practice.
Nursing is a multidisciplinary career that encompasses many different aspects into one to be able to provide the best care possible for all patients. Nurses are caregivers, counselors, advisors, teachers, and more, but to be able to do the job of a nurse one must put into perspective the person or patient, the environment, health, and the nurse. These four concepts together create the Nursing Metaparadigm. These concepts directly influence how a nurse will perform care to a patient and the type of nursing practice that will be demonstrated by that nurse. Each concept above may vary from one theorist to another, but they are the most common concepts in all of the nursing theories. While some concepts are more important each concept will influence
It is through this identity that enables one to be recognized in the community and among other professions. However, the process of getting professional identity should be through an ideal way keeping in mind all the legal issues involved in the process. One undergoes through the process of education where he or she gains knowledge and skills in the field. He or she adheres to the rules and regulations that dictate the profession. Keeping all these requirements expected from the profession enables a registered nurse to gain a professional identity thus able to associate with other health care members and become recognized in the
There are set definitions of nursing made by every nurses association and dictionary. However, nursing goes beyond the definition and has distinct meaning to each individual nurse whether they are aware of the meaning or not. Several nurses have chosen to publicize their beliefs about nursing into their own nursing theory. Other nurses may have ideas similar to these theories, completely different from the theories, or a combination of multiple theories. Some nurses may have never even considered what nursing truly means to them. However, it isn’t until nurses sit down and truly look at what nursing means to them that they can fulfill their duties as a nurse to their full potential. In any philosophy of nursing there are four metaparadigms
Nurses need a seat at the table to ensure they have a voice to influence and shape their future. Nursing is constantly evolving and changing, and employers continue to raise the bar for nursing. Nurses understand early in their career the importance of continuing education to enhance future career opportunities. Professional development relates to how nurses continue to broaden their knowledge, skills, and expertise throughout their career, therefore enhancing their professional practice. This advanced knowledge is not only career boosting, but also opens a seat at the table giving nurses the power to make decisions and effect changes. Professional development and continuing education are more important to nurses now than ever before to keep up with the rapid changes in healthcare today. Numminen, Leino-Kilpi, Isoaho and Meretoja’s (2017) article contends professional development enhances personal satisfaction, rejuvenates the love of nursing, builds confidence and credibility. There are many avenues to pursue
Nursing is more than merely a job, an occupation, or a career; it is a vocation, a calling, a frame of mind and heart. As a nurse, one must value the general good of others over his own. He must devote of himself nobly to ensure the well-being of his patient. However, today’s well-recognized nurses are notably different from nurses of the recent past. Service is the core of the nursing profession, and the essential evolution of the vocation reflects the ever-changing needs of the diverse patient population that it serves. As a profession, nursing has evolved progressively, particularly in its modernization throughout the past two centuries with the influence of Florence Nightingale. The field of nursing continues to grow and diversify even today, as nurses receive greater medical credibility and repute, as its minority representations
The discipline of nursing has long attempted to establish itself as a professional identity with a distinct knowledge base. In order for nursing to separate itself from other professions, it must inaugurate foundational nursing theory. Theory is an essential component to the nursing profession, because it defines and clarifies nursing concepts, and the purpose of nursing practice, which distinguishes nursing from other caring professions (McEwen, 2011). Additionally, "theory offers structure and organization to nursing knowledge and provides a systematic means of collecting data to describe, explain, and predict nursing practice" (McEwen, 2011, p. 23). Theory is the foundational component to the complex, continuously evolving nursing profession, as it enhances nursing knowledge, guides nursing practice and research, and helps in establishing and advancing the identity of the profession of nursing.