Aesthetics: The Art of Nursing The fundamental patterns of knowledge were first identified by Barbara Carper (1978), and included empirical, personal, ethical, and aesthetic knowing. According to Zander (2007), Carper sought to develop a holistic, individualistic, therapeutic model of practice which could be utilized to structure nursing education, and evaluate nursing practice. The addition of emancipatory knowing by Chinn and Kramer followed in 2008. These patterns of knowledge have shown to be very beneficial, if not crucial to the nursing profession. The purpose of this paper is to provide an in depth explanation of aesthetics, and its importance in nursing. A detailed scenario of esthetic nursing will be included. This …show more content…
It is not necessarily just what people consider beautiful, as this can vary person to person. Carper (1978) described aesthetics as the art of nursing; being individualistic, particular, and unique (Zander, 2007). Esthetic knowing requires the nurse to interpret the patient’s behavior in regard to relationships as a whole rather than separate discrete parts, and assists the nurse in seeing the whole picture from an evaluation standpoint in order to envision the desired outcome of the creative actions chosen for a specific situation (Zander, 2007). Esthetic knowing requires the nurse to look beyond the surface of the situation, and in a manner, perform accordingly to achieve the best outcome. This pattern of knowledge typically requires a heightened sense of intuition and empathy. It also relies more on non-verbal expressions. Nurses can be educated on the art of nursing, but can only master it through …show more content…
A charge nurse working the night shift overhears loud talking coming from a nearby room within the unit. Upon locating the room where the noise is coming from, she recognizes that it is a patient with dementia who is becoming increasingly confused, agitated, and combative. The family member at bedside who is also the primary caregiver is trying to keep the patient in bed, and also appears quite frustrated. The primary nurse is in the room, but seems to be struggling with what to do. The charge nurse instructs the primary nurse to review the patient’s medications, and obtain the one used for agitation. The charge nurse then explains to the family member about using the medication, and suggests they take a break while other alternative methods are attempted. The charge nurse then dims some of the lighting within the room, begins to play relaxing music, and purposefully speaks in a very soft tone to the patient. The charge nurse continues to try to redirect the patient, but also understands that you must not argue the reality with dementia patients. The charge nurse proceeds with light massage to the hands, and feet of the patient, all while ensuring the patient that they are safe. The patient is showing less agitation, and the nurse soon arrives with the proper medication. The patient is calm and resting by the time the family member returns. Both the primary nurse and the family
In any major accident, it is important that everyone involved in the co-ordinated planned response liaise with all Health services, Traffic control, Police, Fire services, ambulance and hospital. The action at an accident starts as: assessing the situation, in the management of an incident one of the most important steps is evaluating the scene accurately.
A critical analysis of the four fundamental patterns of knowing in nursing is essential for nurses to be able to grasp the complicated nature of the nursing practice. Barbara Carper (1978) lists the four patterns of knowing as: empirics, esthetics, personal knowledge, and ethics or moral knowledge (p.14). The science of nursing is called empirics and the connection of art to nursing is referred to as esthetics (Carper, 1978, p.14). These patterns are four very complex areas of nursing that every nurse must consider in order to be as successful as possible in providing care. In this evaluation the author will discuss how these concepts affect present learning and practice.
According to the American Nurses Association, nursing is defined as “the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations” (American Nurses Association, 2016). Nurses have many jobs and responsibilities and wear many different hats. Nurses can perform at many different levels depending on their scope of practice which is defined by the board of nursing in one’s state of residence. It is important as nurses to understand and follow
But how does one achieve this mindset? Carper (1948) answers this as well; empathy. Nurses use empathy to act not as an audience but as a possible contributor. As said earlier, empathy allows for better perception skills. As a result, with good perception skills comes access to more specific information that forms what Copper (2001) calls ‘particular knowledge’ or subjective knowledge obtained by a nurse about an individual client (p. 6). It is knowledge nurse can have access to if they have enough respect for their
Even though science is an apparent element of nursing still, one might argue that the artistic element is just as important. “…the concepts of care and compassion are difficult to define and measure, but they are driving forces in nursing” (Palos, 2014, p.247) Many claim that, the science and art components are intertwined, you cannot have one without the other. “The most competent nurses are those who can appreciate the value of achieving a balance between the science and art of nursing.” (Palos, 2014, p.248) While knowledge and skills are essential to nursing, In my opinion, caring and compassion are equally as important if not more so. When asked, why nursing? my reply is “I have the heart for it, as well as the intellect to be successful.” Although, this is true, there is so much more to it, we will discuss that further
Licensed practical nurses (LPN 's) fill an important role in modern health care practices. Their primary job duty is to provide routine care, observe patients’ health, assist doctors and registered nurses, and communicate instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventative lifestyle changes (Hill). A Licensed Practical Nurse has various of roles that they have to manage on a day to day basis, such as being an advocate for their patients, an educator, being a counselor, a consultant, researcher, collaborator, and even a manager depending on what kind of work exactly that you do and where. It is the nursing process and critical thinking that separate the LPN from the unlicensed assistive personnel. Judgments are based
Nursing is much like a tapestry, though equally an art and science, it is a profession of the heart. Nurses embark on individualized journeys. Nurses create unique story maps, that help define the nursing profession. A collection of “stitches” that form a complex masterpiece, created through daily acts of a nurse’s empathy, kindness and compassion. The beneficent acts of nursing become intertwined with theoretical science, critical thinking, knowledge and skill. A combination of art and science that forms our ever-expanding, professional scope of practice and future nursing roles. Nursing is like a tapestry that is best defined when collective consideration of the profession is applied, a vast collection of beauty, precision, richness, depth
When I first decided to come to college for nursing after staying in university for three years, I had an argument with my parents because they were not happy with my decision. My parents just wanted me to finish rest of my degree and they thought that it did not make sense to go to college for diploma, and not complete the university degree. However, I just wanted to complete my nursing diploma in the same amount of time that I can finish my degree in the university because I always wanted to be a nurse.
What is the central component of advanced practice nurses (APNs) direct clinical practice and patient/families?
Nursing encompasses the compassionate, holistic, and virtuous care that nurses deliver to patients, families, and communities in order to assist with achieving optimal health and wellness or attaining comfort and acceptance. Compassionate care encompasses the empathy and drive to help others that the nursing profession pos...
Mr. Doe, an 82 year old man with Alzheimer’s disease has been a resident in a chronic care facility for 5 years. He has recently developed resistance to care; he is spitting out his medications and has become increasingly aggressive. He also appears to be experiencing paranoid delusions. The doctor has instructed the primary nurse to give Mr. Doe his medication any way possible. The nurse’s co-worker has suggested that the nurse crush the pills and hide it in Mr. Doe’s ice cream.
Knowledge can be seen as the main focus of nursing qualities as it is a lifelong skill that is learned throughout a nurse’s career. In nursing, knowledge can be classified as theoretical or practice-based. Practice-based knowledge is attained through the nurse-patient encounter. According to Mantzoukas and Jasper (2008), a nurse’s nonverbal and verbal communication exhibits the nurse’s practice- based knowledge. When nurses demonstrate appropriate communication patients feel understood and comfortable within the relationship. It is difficult for a nurse to obtain this knowledge without taking an autonomous and individual approach for each patient (Mantzoukas & Jasper, 2008). Taking an autonomous approach allows for the nurse’s critical thinking to improve as well. Good critical thinking skills increases the chances of achieving desired patient outcomes as the nurse is able to analyze the situation effectively. Theoretical knowledge is acquired through education. This type of knowledge is expressed through what nurses know and the logical information the nurse possess in relation to their practice. Theoretical knowledge is also important as it makes the nurse competent and capable of carrying out simple tasks. From the coat of arms, it is evident that knowledge is a unifying quality that is the foundation for acquiring other qualities necessary for
The medical field is expanding and nurses are in high demand. There are different jobs in the medical that aim to help individuals in different ways. In particular, nursing is a difficult field to work in as nurses work closely with the patients. Nurses aim to prevent illness, promote health, and restore health and well being. Therefore, there are some qualities that make a good nurse, such as communication skills, respect, patience, honesty. All of theses qualities encompass caring in nursing. In particular, caring is the most important because it is the how nurses give individualized care.
Nursing, by definition according to ANA is “The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.” (cite)Nursing is viewed by some as a lady who just gives shots and takes vital signs. But to millions of individuals out there who know that nurses are way much more. Nursing is the opportunity to help someone restore their health to what it once was. Nursing is going beyond their duty to make sure the patient is stable and comfortable. Nurses are the advocates and the protectors of the patient, the families and the community. Nursing is
Nurse profession is one of the most prestige’s occupations. Nursing has been growing and advancing into a diversity of roles with in the profession (i.e. staff nurse, nurse practitioner, doctorate nursing). However, society is blind to how important nurses profession is. With the influence of media, society has a misconstrued perception of that it takes to be a nurse. There are many stereotypes that is now deeply embedded in nursing since the creation of nursing itself.