Nurses are often portrayed to the public as task focused medication administers, doctors assistants and hand holders; so when I made the choice to go into the field of nursing, I only had a very small piece of what it actually means to be a nurse. Through my studies and experiences in practice, I have come to realize that for me the role of a nurse is one of greater importance: Empowerment. In school we learn the value of education, communication and empathy, as it relates to advocacy and empowerment for our patients and clients. Working collaboratively and supporting their choices, I have witnessed the value of personal decision making, as opposed to a paternalistic care approach resulting in a power imbalance (Situational Transitions class
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Those experiences have shaped who I am as a person, but also have informed my nursing practice. Pregnant at 15 years old, I was forced to navigate the health care system alone, through a difficult pregnancy and birth. As a young mother, my lifestyle, choices and fitness to parent were often scrutinized by both the social and healthcare system, as I was often excluded in the decision making process as it related to my health and the health of my daughter. In my own practice; I have found that building report and trust is foundational, as patients share more about their conditions and experiences and are more receptive to the treatment and care plans that they have collaborated on. Additionally, by tailoring communication, education and care to the specific needs of the individual, we are putting people at the center of their own care (Boggs, 2007). By doing so, we are supporting their unique strengths, choices and autonomy; facilitating people to empower themselves by making positive changes in their own lives. The ability to effectively communicate and empathize with others are strengths that I draw upon as both a member of an interdisciplinary team and as a patient caregiver. It is my belief that as health care professionals, its important to explore the patients values, beliefs and history because if we make assumptions about the circumstance of the individual, we run the risk of being exclusive, …show more content…
When individuals can feel like what they do matters and are able to their look to day to day accomplishments, they are more likely to develop positive self concepts and feelings of self worth (Situational Transitions class notes, 2015). This translates into healthy lifestyle choices, thus improving the health of individuals and communities as a whole. In my practice I have had the opportunity to work with many individuals and families in crisis, and it was in these situations that I was able to truly see what being a nurse encompasses. To only acknowledge or treat the physical manifestations of disease is a band aid, and thus does a great disservice to the individual, family and society as a whole. The holistic care that nurses give fundamental in an individuals ability to successfully navigate through transitions and maintain or regain optimal
Those experiences have shaped who I am as a person, but also have informed my nursing practice. Pregnant at 15 years old, I was forced to navigate the health care system alone, through a difficult pregnancy and birth. As a young mother, my lifestyle, choices and fitness to parent were often scrutinized by both the social and healthcare system, as I was often excluded in the decision making process as it related to my health and the health of my daughter. In my own practice; I have found that building report and trust is foundational, as patients share more about their conditions and experiences and are more receptive to the treatment and care plans that they have collaborated on. Additionally, by tailoring communication, education and care to the specific needs of the individual, we are putting people at the center of their own care (Boggs, 2007). By doing so, we are supporting their unique strengths, choices and autonomy; facilitating people to empower themselves by making positive changes in their own lives. The ability to effectively communicate and empathize with others are strengths that I draw upon as both a member of an interdisciplinary team and as a patient caregiver. It is my belief that as health care professionals, its important to explore the patients values, beliefs and history because if we make assumptions about the circumstance of the individual, we run the risk of being exclusive, …show more content…
When individuals can feel like what they do matters and are able to their look to day to day accomplishments, they are more likely to develop positive self concepts and feelings of self worth (Situational Transitions class notes, 2015). This translates into healthy lifestyle choices, thus improving the health of individuals and communities as a whole. In my practice I have had the opportunity to work with many individuals and families in crisis, and it was in these situations that I was able to truly see what being a nurse encompasses. To only acknowledge or treat the physical manifestations of disease is a band aid, and thus does a great disservice to the individual, family and society as a whole. The holistic care that nurses give fundamental in an individuals ability to successfully navigate through transitions and maintain or regain optimal