nurs490assignmentw2

Theorist Video Reflection

I chose to watch this particular theorist's video because it is always interesting to hear what different people say and feel about what truly entails the world of nurses. The roles of a nurse are vast; therefore, one is intrigued by how a scholar can sum up what involves nursing. Given the broad responsibilities of a nurse, one expects that defining nursing is a challenge, and there can be a wide range of definitions. One can already guess that this is an issue that gets significantly challenged when it comes to creating a universal sense of the meaning of nursing and developing centrality. I believe that it is essential to appreciate any theorist that has made an effort to sum up the definition of nursing in a single statement such as Virginia Henderson. Henderson claims that nursing entails assisting, whether to a sick or well individual, to perform actions that contribute to health, recovery, or peaceful death, to gain independence rapidly (Theory Video).

My philosophy in regards to the definition of nursing is that this is a profession whereby the practitioner supports the health of a patient while maintaining high respect for human dignity and displaying a massive awareness of patients' rights. I believe that the work of a nurse is to heal rather than to treat. A nurse professional is obligated to tend to both the client's psychological and physical needs also to promote his or her quality of life. My definition of nursing agrees with that of the theorist because she claims that nursing promotes the human race's welfare. Indeed, people with proper physical and mental health have the highest chances of creating a better future. Henderson's explanation of nursing's definition appears to be a sort of framework which other scholars can use as a point of reference even if they wish to describe nursing using different words (Theory Video). Henderson agrees that nurses spend the most time with patients. Therefore, they have the most significant responsibility in ensuring that patients get optimal, compassionate, and effective care. The perception coincides with the fact that nurses must maintain high respect for human dignity and the patients' rights. I agree with the theorist that nursing practice extends beyond merely using learned knowledge to care for patients. Nurses have to have the will to help others, not only academic experience.

I was surprised by the video that Henderson stated her definition several decades ago, somewhere in the mid-1950s, yet, it is still relatable to the many meanings we can attribute to the term nursing today. The beauty of Henderson's theory is that it is a very simplistic, yet eloquent, portrayal of what entails nursing practice (Theory Video). Her definition is useful because it also gives a sense of the power vested in a nurse (Theory Video). I am surprised that even today, we can still relate the definition of nursing to the theory regardless of the rapid changes that have occurred in the health care systems of today. For example, technology has revolutionized the provision of care today. Even with such a significant advancement in health care, Henderson's meaning of nursing still applies to modern times. For example, she acknowledges the importance of respectful and compassionate care. In the use of health care technology, practitioners must maintain respect for patients' rights.

I would recommend this video to another student because it is very informative, and it makes it easy to understand how Henderson perceived the idea of nursing. The video presents Henderson getting interviewed on camera; the interviewee significantly helps audiences to understand her point of view by elaborating further why the theory is fascinating (Theory Video). I would recommend the video also because it touches on the authority a nurse has while in practice. It is a problem till today because not all nurses have been given the mandate to diagnose and administer treatment to patients. In most cases, nurses are always following orders from other persons considered to be of a higher rank, such as physicians. Everything they do within the health care setting usually reflects the recommendations physicians have given them. One realizes that, indeed, the recognition of nurses in health care is vague. I believe that this is the most significant contributor to the lack of clarity in what nurses do in the first place.

The value I achieved from watching the theorist's video is learning that the nursing profession originated from the need for having someone to care for a patient at all times during the process of care. Henderson confesses that she got into the nursing profession mainly because she saw it as an opportunity to build the community by helping others get through physical and emotional problems (Theory Video). It means that to be successful in the nursing profession, one needs to display a sincere dedication to helping patients reach their health goals. Nurses usually tend to patients round the clock until they gain their independence. I have also realized that the nursing profession has been evolving over the years, gaining more consideration and recognition in health care, and generally, the professional world.

References

Theory Video. Virginia Henderson – Definition of Nursing.