Discussion Question

The American Nursing Association defines nursing as “the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations”(American Nursing Association). This definition focuses on the concepts of person, health, environment, and nursing practice that constitute the metaparadigm theories of nursing. By collecting pertinent history and data, nurses can definitely identify the patient’s responses and the ability to that person to manage by their own care. We should essentially look at the patient from a holistic approach and not look at each patient as a diagnosis or condition. Nursing can help in providing a better and safer environment for the individual that can have a major impact on their recovery. This environment can constitute anything that is directly linked to the person’s life. An example of this could be a patient suffering from terminal illness, as they experience better recovery if a positive environment surrounds them. Educating and explaining necessary information to the patient can help prevent illness and injury as well. Nurses can teach patients how to prevent infection, disease, and to promote overall healing. Once we as nurses have been able to diagnose the patient, we should take the necessary steps to plan the next step through evaluation. By making sure patients are safe and by identifying their concerns, we are able to build a unique relationship with them that promotes optimal health. Health is the main focus of nursing that is physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social. As explained by the ANA, nursing encompasses serving the patients, families, and communities. This is an aspect that can be accomplished by collecting the data necessary and by making the right clinical judgments based on the individual, family, or communities that

References: FAQ. (n.d.). FAQ. Retrieved June 20, 2014, from http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/FAQs.aspx