Nursing

Nursing Research and Practice

Introduction 

Nursing can be described as one of the noble professions, as it involves taking care of their fellow human beings. It is due to this that many theories and concepts have been brought forward to explain the concepts of nursing and practice. The history of nursing dates back to 1859, when Florence Nightingale laid the basic foundation of nursing (Cole 555). It is from what she experienced as a hospital administrator at that time, such as dirty wards and overcrowding, among other conditions, that she decided to change those conditions. One can, therefore, say that it was because of Nightingale’s endeavour at that time that nursing metaparadigm principles were established.

The Nursing Metaparadigm

According to the metaparadigm of nursing, nursing concepts can be categorized into four main concepts: the client, environment, health, and nursing. The metaparadigm has been used to demonstrate the uniqueness of the profession. It is science in that it is a special type of knowledge that helps an individual to take care of sick people. It is an art in that sometimes one does not need to have special knowledge in order to gain knowledge tips for care delivery to individuals who need care.

The Concept of the Client

On the concept of the client, it is important for every nurse to ensure that the patient receives the required care. Human beings is made up of various components, which all require special attention. As Nightingale clearly notes in her book, it is important for nurses to possess all the necessary details concerning a patient all the time so that they can give the best care. In addition, according to nursing practice, patients are given the first priority, and their needs must be addressed before anything else. It is also important to consider that, as a nurse, it is always important to establish a close relationship so that patients can have confidence in nurses (Cole 556). Nurses are the first people that any patient seeking health care services encounters. This means that if a patient has a wrong impression about the services because of how the nurse handles them, then such a patient would not be able to open up their heart. This will hinder how such a patient explains themselves about their health problems.

The Concept of Health

The other important concept of nursing that must always be put into consideration is health. According to Nightingale, health can be described as being well, which means the absence of sickness. Health in nursing can also be considered to be the presence of good conditions, which ensure that diseases cannot thrive (Snellman and Gedda 714). According to Nightingale, these reduce the negative consequences that disease can bring. From this, it is clear that ensuring good health is also an important aspect of nursing as a profession, and nurses should aim to ensure good health so as to prevent occurrences of diseases.

The Concept of Environment

Environment is the other important concept in nursing practice. According to Nightingale, an individual’s environment is one of the most important aspects of ensuring the absence of disease. Environment is a prerequisite for good health. Researchers have said that good health can sometimes be maintained by ensuring minimum interruption of the natural environment (Cole 555). It is also necessary to ensure that the environment around the patient is clean, quiet and has fresh air. A good environment also reduces the chances of harmful organisms reproducing. A clean environment is, therefore, not only important for the well-being of the sick, but it also ensures that, as a nurse, one is at low risk of contracting the disease.

Work Cited

Cole, Clare A. “Implied consent and nursing practice: Ethical or convenient?” Nursing Ethics

19.4 (2012): 550-557.

Meehan, Therese C. “The Careful Nursing philosophy and professional practice model.” Journal

of Clinical Nursing 21.19 (2012): 2905-2916.

Snellman, Ingrid and Kersti M Gedda. “The value ground of nursing.” Nursing Ethics 19.6

(2012): 714-726.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the metaparadigm of nursing?

The nursing metaparadigm consists of four core concepts: the client, environment, health, and nursing, which help define the scope of nursing practice and its goals.

How did Florence Nightingale impact the nursing profession?

Florence Nightingale laid the foundation for modern nursing by addressing unsanitary conditions in hospitals and focusing on improving patient care, which led to the establishment of nursing metaparadigms.

Why is client care so important in nursing?

Client care is crucial in nursing because nurses are the first point of contact for patients. Establishing a trusting relationship helps in providing effective care and understanding the patient’s needs.

What role does the environment play in nursing?

According to Nightingale, a clean, quiet, and well-ventilated environment is essential for healing, as it reduces the spread of diseases and promotes better patient recovery.

How does nursing promote health and prevent disease?

Nursing promotes health by ensuring a good environment, maintaining hygiene, and helping patients understand practices that prevent the onset of diseases, following the principles outlined by Nightingale.

Leave a Reply