Nursing is an independent profession that centers on the provision of basic nursing care. It revolves around helping patients successfully perform the 14 basic needs and is able to make independent judgment that does not include, diagnosing, prescribing, or making prognosis which are the functions of a physician. The nurse is equipped with knowledge and skills in both biological and social sciences as a guide in the performance of duties. Moreover, being considered as the most continuous service compared to other medical fields, the nurse is expected to devout self in aiding patients attain independence or utmost capabilities in the performance of the basic needs. However, if these are unobtainable, the nurse assists the patient in achieving a peaceful and dignified death.
The Nurse- Patient Relationship
CAPTION: Breathing is one of the fundamental basic needs. For a patient who cannot breathe on his own, the nurse will serve as the patient’s temporary breath.The nurse can act on three levels during a nurse- patient relationship related to the patient’s dependency for the fulfillment of the 14 basic needs: the nurse as a substitute for the patient; as a helper to the patient; as a partner with the patient.
“… temporarily the consciousness of the unconscious, the love life for the suicidal, the leg of the amputee, the eyes of the newly blind, a means of locomotion for the infant, knowledge and confidence of the young mother, the mouthpiece for those too weak or withdrawn to speak…”
During times of severe illness, the nurse acts as a substitute for the incapacities of the patient in order to preserve the patient’s wholeness or independence. This inability to perform basic needs out of a disease is due to the lack of physical strength, will, or knowledge.
“Independence is a relative term. None of us is independent of others, but we strive for a healthy interdependence, not a sick dependence.”
At times of recovery, the nurse shifts from the position of being the patient’s sole provider of needs to that of a helper to aid the patient acquire or regain independence. The patient is seen therefore as somebody who has an aim of regaining self- control or achieving a state of health.
“…get inside the skin of each of her patients in order to know what he needs.”
By becoming partners, the nurse and patient work together in planning for care. The nurse must also be able to assess beyond patient’s needs, including the conditions and pathologies that alter these needs.
“In every situation, nurses who know physiologic and psychologic reactions to temperature and humidity, light and color, gas pressures, odors, noise, chemical impurities, and microorganisms can organize and make the best use of the facilities available.”
Nurses must know how to alter the environment to help the patient promote health. Moreover, the nurse and the patient work together for a common goal: independence or peaceful death. Goals of the nurse include promotion of activities to keep the patient as “normal” as possible and promotion of health more than cure interventions.
The Nurse- Physician Relationship
CAPTION: Nurse’s role is beyond following medical orders.The nurse and the physician have a common goal of preservation and restoration of health. However, their means of achieving this goal is different. The primary role of the physician is the diagnosis and treatment “cure” of the disease whereas the primary role of the nurse is the “care” process, consisting of caring, helping, comforting, and guiding. Nevertheless, both disciplines have a shared responsibility and are not exclusive of each other.
During the performance of their roles, nurses according to Henderson do not follow physician’s order but rather care plan devised by the nurse and the patient should be in accordance to the therapeutic regimen of the physician. Nurses also take the responsibility of health management in the absence of the physician.
The Nurse as a Member of the Health Team
CAPTION: Henderson also tried to illustrate the unique functions of the health care team members using the wedges on a pie graph. The distribution of sections depends on the patient’s current needs. The sections change as the patient progresses, and the ultimate goal is for the patient to have the greatest part of the pie slice.The nurse works collaboratively with other health professionals in providing for the client’s total care. They should not do each other’s job and should not impose demand on any member of the health team. The participation of each health team member depends on the patient’s needs and therefore changes as patient progresses towards independence. In the end, there will be less participation of the health care team as the patient is able to independently perform the basic needs.
All the members of the health care team should consider the patient as the central figure and should regard their respective disciplines as providing assistance to the patient. More importantly, they should help the patient realize his own capacitance for self- care and work towards aiding the patient gain independence in meeting needs. The sooner the patient cares for self and follows the therapeutic regimen, the better he will become.
All the members of the health care team should consider the patient as the central figure and should regard their respective disciplines as providing assistance to the patient. More importantly, they should help the patient realize his own capacitance for self- care and work towards aiding the patient gain independence in meeting needs. The sooner the patient cares for self and follows the therapeutic regimen, the better he will become.
References:
- Marriner, A. (1986). Nursing Theorists and Their Work. St. Louis: CV Mosby.
- Henderson, V. and Nite, G. (1978). The Principles and Practice of Nursing. New York: Macmillan.
- Henderson, V. (1966). The Nature of Nursing a Definition and Its implications fro Practice, Research and Education. New York: Macmillan
- http://www.nurstoon.com/
- http://comics.com/monty/2006-06-10/
- http://www.psdgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/3d_pie_chart.jpg
Contributors:
Alvarado, Julie - Taguig City, Philippines
Amancio, Ma. Jenie - Quezon City, Philippines
Babasa, Ace - Manila, Philippines, Philippines
Bautista, Irene Kate - Las Pinas City, Philippines
Alvarado, Julie - Taguig City, Philippines
Amancio, Ma. Jenie - Quezon City, Philippines
Babasa, Ace - Manila, Philippines, Philippines
Bautista, Irene Kate - Las Pinas City, Philippines
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