Nursing as Science and as Art

Philosophy of Nursing

Introduction

The nursing metaparadigm is of major importance in nursing, and its concepts should intersect with the philosophy, mission, vision, and values of a healthcare organization. In this paper, I examine that metaparadigm and compare it to the mission, vision and values of Hackensack Meridian Health where I work. First, the concepts of the nursing metaparadigm are examined. Then, they are compared and contrasted with the guiding principles of Hackensack Meridian Health, highlighting the synergies and differences between academic nursing theory and practical healthcare delivery. Following this, a personal interpretation and elaboration of these metaparadigm concepts is given, culminating with my own personal nursing philosophy. This philosophy focuses on applying my personal definitions and aligning them with the values of compassionate care and evidence-based practice.

Nursing Metaparadigm

The four common concepts associated with the nursing metaparadigm are nursing, person, environment, and health. Let's explore definitions of these concepts from peer-reviewed nursing literature:

Nursing

Nursing is often defined as a science and an art that focuses on promoting quality of life as defined by individuals and communities, throughout their life experiences from birth to care at the end of life (Helming et al., 2020). It is viewed as something holistic, a practice that caters to the care of the whole individual. It is the practice of promoting health for the individual in accordance with that person’s needs and goals.

Person

The concept of the person in nursing is based on the individual but also includes consideration of families and communities. It emphasizes taking a holistic view of the person, taking into account both their physical and psychosocial needs (Kuven & Giske, 2023). The person is not just an individual presenting with a sickness. The person is much more than that and requires empathy and compassion.

Environment

In nursing, the environment is not only the physical space but also includes the sociocultural and psychological aspects that impact a person's health and wellbeing (Rohde et al., 2020). It is seen as a major factor in the promotion and maintenance of health. To the understand and help the person, one must understand the environment and how to improve it if necessary for the promotion of health.

Health

Health in nursing is often viewed as the sum of physical, mental, and social well-being and not exclusively as the absence of disease or infirmity. It includes a person's ability to maintain and manage their life despite the presence of illness (Kishore & Gawande, 2021).

These concepts are important to nursing as both an art and a science. The art of nursing is reflected in the nurses’ ability to show empathy and compassion. The science is represented in the nurse’s ability to apply evidence-based practices and theoretical knowledge throughout the caregiving.

Compare and Contrast

This section compares and contrasts the previous concepts with the philosophy, mission, vision, and values of Hackensack Meridian Health.

Philosophy Comparison

The philosophy of nursing is based in the concept of holistic care, which promotes a comprehensive approach to patient well-being. This philosophy aligns closely with Hackensack Meridian Health's vision of providing human-centered, high-quality care. Both the nursing metaparadigm and Hackensack Meridian Health prioritize the overall well-being of individuals. They both recognize that health has many dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions.

Mission Comparison

Hackensack Meridian Health's mission to transform health care resonates strongly with the nursing metaparadigm's focus on dynamic health. This concept focuses on the need for healthcare to be adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of individuals and communities. The nursing metaparadigm thus calls for a healthcare system that is continuously adapting to new challenges, technologies, and patient needs. The idea of shared mission reiterates a commitment to progress and innovation in healthcare, in order to provide care that is effective and relevant to the changing needs of patient populations and healthcare environments.

Vision Comparison

The vision of Hackensack Meridian Health stresses the importance of innovation, which is a principle strongly reflected in the nursing metaparadigm. Nursing, as both an art and a science, is constantly evolving, integrating new research findings and best practices to enhance patient care. This ongoing integration of new knowledge and techniques mirrors Hackensack Meridian Health's vision of continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare delivery. Both the nursing metaparadigm and Hackensack Meridian Health recognize that the future of healthcare depends on the ability to adapt, innovate, and apply new understandings in clinical practice.

Value Comparison

The values of creativity, courage, compassion, collaboration, and connection at Hackensack Meridian Health are in harmony with key elements of the nursing metaparadigm. Nursing, at its core, is about providing empathetic and patient-centered care, which requires a compassionate approach. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration in nursing aligns with Hackensack Meridian Health's value of collaborative and connected care, recognizing that effective healthcare relies on the synergy of various professionals working together. The courage to do the right thing and the creativity to find new solutions are also integral to nursing, as they are to Hackensack Meridian Health, ensuring that patient care is not only compassionate but also innovative and ethical.

Personalized Definitions

Creating personalized definitions of the core concepts of the nursing metaparadigm helps to give a greater understanding of the field and its impact on healthcare. These definitions are based on growing the usual concepts by incorporating experience and personal views.

Nursing

Meant as a collaborative and adaptive art and science, nursing is a discipline that cannot survive without empathy, care, and evidence-based practice. My definition recognizes the dual nature of nursing: as an art, it involves the empathetic and compassionate delivery of care, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. As a science, it calls for the application of rigorously tested, evidence-based practices that are continually updated with the latest research and findings. Nursing has to keep developing as a science in order to stay abreast of new changes in healthcare, technology, and even in patient needs. It is a field that has to be committed to optimizing the health and well-being of individuals via a blend of personal care, scientific knowledge, and empathy (Wei, 2022).

Person

In the context of nursing, a person should be viewed through his or her own eyes. A nurse should let the person speak so that the person feels validated. A nurse should try to see the person as the person wants to be seen. Thus, my definition broadens the scope of nursing care to recognize that health and illness are experienced within the broader context of people's lives. It acknowledges that every person has unique physical, psychological, and social needs and values that shape their health journey. This holistic view encourages a more comprehensive approach to healthcare, where nurses consider the full spectrum of factors that impact an individual's health, including their family dynamics, community environment, and personal beliefs (Helming et al., 2020).

Environment

The environment, as a concept in nursing, is an amalgamation of various factors that influence a person's health and well-being. My definition acknowledges that health is affected by everything from immediate environment to the social, spiritual, economic, and cultural context in which a person lives. The psychological environment, including a person's mental state and emotional well-being, is also a critical component. Understanding the environment in this manner allows nurses to appreciate the full range of external factors that can impact health and to tailor their care accordingly.

Health

My definition of health sees health as something never static, never not moving in one direction or another. Health is not even something whose meaning is the same one day to the next. Health is more like a state of mind, a level of acceptance or tolerance about what feels okay to the individual person right now. It can alter and change with conditions. It includes aspects of consciousness and unconsciousness and is affected by physical, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, and social well-being. Health is affected by factors including lifestyle choices, environmental conditions, and genetic predisposition (Juanola et al., 2021). My view of health also believes in the importance of preventive care, mental health, and social support in maintaining and improving health, in addition to treating physical ailments.

My Personal Philosophy of Nursing

My personal philosophy of nursing, deeply influenced by the definitions of the nursing metaparadigm concepts, is anchored in the integration of compassionate care with evidence-based practice. This philosophy reflects the values championed by Hackensack Meridian Health, emphasizing the importance of human-centered care that is both empathetic and informed by the latest research and clinical best practices.

Compassionate Care

At the heart of this philosophy is the belief that nursing goes beyond the mere treatment of symptoms or diseases. It's about providing care that is empathetic, understanding, and attuned to the emotional, as well as physical, needs of patients. This type of care recognizes each person's dignity and respects their individual journey, involving the patient and their family in care decisions. The value of compassion in nursing cannot be overstated; it is the foundation upon which trust is built between nurses and patients, facilitating better patient outcomes and enhancing the overall healthcare experience.

Evidence-Based Practice

Integrating evidence-based practice into this philosophy underlines the commitment to providing care that is not only compassionate but also effective and efficient. Staying abreast of the latest research, technologies, and clinical practices ensures that nursing care is based on the best available evidence. This approach involves continuously updating one's knowledge and skills to reflect current standards of care, thereby ensuring that patients receive the most relevant and effective treatments.

Dynamic Nature of Health

Recognizing the dynamic nature of health means understanding that a person's health status is not static but constantly evolving. This philosophy acknowledges the various stages of life, the impact of life events, and changing health needs over time. It underscores the importance of being adaptable and responsive in care strategies to meet these changing needs effectively.

Complexity of the Human Experience

Nursing, in this philosophy, is seen as a practice that engages with the full complexity of the human experience. This includes addressing not only physical health but also considering mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. It involves understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and values of patients, which influence how they experience illness, health, and care.

Influence of the Environment

The environment, encompassing physical, social, and psychological factors, plays a critical role in this philosophy. It recognizes that health outcomes are not determined solely by biological factors but are also significantly influenced by the environment in which individuals live and interact. This perspective encourages a broader approach to health promotion and disease prevention, considering environmental and social determinants of health.