Task 1:
Professional Nursing Practice
Nursing Theory
The theory of cultural care diversity and universality was a significant influence at the beginning of my nursing career (Cherry, 2016). My first case of in-home care was with a young boy with down syndrome. I had never worked or interacted with anyone with down syndrome before. I was honestly scared to work with him and unsure what to expect. This theory helped remind me and shape my care to give him what he needed. Indeed, all my fears melted away within a few hours of interacting with him. From then on, I knew I needed to walk in with more cultural knowledge and diversity awareness.
Nurses will likely work with a wide range of different cultures and backgrounds of people. It is a piece of our profession to be knowledgeable in their culture or take the time to learn about their diversity to give the best care.
Historical Nursing Figures
Florence Nightingale is one of the first historical nursing figures I learned about. She has contributed so much good to the profession and is considered the founder of modern nursing (Cherry, 2016). She focused on the environment the patient was in/experiencing and the effects it had on healing (Cherry, 2016). Not only that, but she theorized that infections were spreading due to unsanitary conditions. She incorporated the essential skill of hand washing and keeping the wards clean to prevent the spread of germs and diseases (Cherry, 2016).
Dorothea Orem is a historical nursing figure I have never learned of before. Her theory focuses on self-care, its deficit of it, and what the nurse can do to help the patient reach their basic self-care needs (Cherry, 2016). Her focus is on the nurse applying the needed interventions to assist the patient in restoring a sense of well-being (Cherry, 2016).
These historical figures have each brought different theories to the table. Nightingale focused on the cleanliness of the hospital and the caretakers (Cherry, 2016). Orem concentrates on the patient's personal well-being and basic needs (Cherry, 2016). These two contributions can be linked in that they both work towards better quality of care and getting the patient back to health.
It is without a doubt, these two nurses have shaped my nursing practice. Hand washing is always in the back of my mind a necessity when interacting with my patient and every time my hands get soiled. Having a clean environment has been proven over again how it can reduce the spread of germs. If it is that simple, then it is a no brainer as to why I would not ensure to keep the patients space clean. Self-care has become more and more important to me. It has such positive effects on me. I want to give my patients that same sense of calm, happiness, and needs met. It can be as simple as making sure they are comfortable, dont need to use the bathroom or having a conversation with them to decrease the stress of being ill.
CO Board of Nursing vs ANA
The State Board of Nursing and...
