Nursing Role & Scope - Week 3 - Philosophy of Nursing
Philosophy of Nursing
Chapter 3
Philosophy
Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning
A system of thought based on such inquiry
Critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs
A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or activity; an underlying theory
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Perspectives of Truth
Classical philosophers
Theocratics
Empiricists
Rationalists
Idealists
Positivists
Early existentialists
Pragmatists
Relativists
Phenomenologists
Existentialists
Poststructuralists/ postmodernists
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Continuum of Realism and Idealism
Realism
The world is static.
Seeing is believing.
The social world is a given.
Reality is physical and independent.
Logical thinking is superior.
Idealism
The world is evolving.
There is more than meets the eye.
The social world is created.
Reality is a conception perceived in the mind.
Thinking is dynamic and constructive.
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Beliefs
Three categories of beliefs:
Existential beliefs
Evaluative beliefs
Prescriptive/ proscriptive beliefs
What are your beliefs about the major concepts in nursing?
Person
Environment
Health
Nursing
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Assertions Related to Values
Each person has a few.
All humans possess the same values.
People organize values into systems.
Values are developed in response to culture, society, and personality.
Behaviors are manifestations or consequences of values.
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Values
Process of valuing involves 3 steps:
Choosing values
Prizing values
Acting on values
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Acquiring Values
Must be chosen freely
Must be selected from a list of alternatives
Must have thoughtful consideration of each of the outcomes of the alternatives
Must be prized and cherished
Must involve a willingness to make values known to others
Must precipitate action
Must be integrated into lifestyle
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Values Clarification
Helps us to understand who we are
Helps us to understand what is important to us
Helps us to be more open to accepting others’ choice of values
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Guide for Developing a Personal Philosophy of Nursing (1 of 3)
Introduction
Who are you?
Where do you practice nursing?
Define nursing
What is nursing?
Why does nursing exist?
Why do you practice nursing?
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Guide for Developing a Personal Philosophy of Nursing (2 of 3)
What are your assumptions or underlying beliefs about nurses, patients, other healthcare providers, and communities?
Define the major domains of nursing:
Person
Health
Environment
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Guide for Developing a Personal Philosophy of Nursing (3 of 3)
How are the domains connected?
What is your vision of nursing for the future?
What are the challenges that you will face as a nurse?
What are your goals for professional development?
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