Philosophy and Nursing

HUMAN NATURE AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Humans are a complex organism. The study of human nature is a more complex thing. Over time several dominant concepts explaining human nature have surfaced. Some of these concepts overlap while others negate each other. Nevertheless these concepts help shed light on our understanding of human nature or on understanding of ourselves. As said by William Bernbach it is significant to comprehend human nature because, “Nothing is so powerful as an insight into human nature. What compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action. If you know these things about a man you can touch him at the core of his being.”

As a nurse it is essential for us to understand human nature since we relentlessly deal with our fellow human beings. When we come to understand our nature it becomes easier for us to understand other people. As to our case, it becomes easier for us to understand our clients. This then leads us to care for them therapeutically towards their easy recovery.

They say what makes each of us special is our uniqueness but sometimes this can also be the root of conflicts. That is why aside from understanding human nature we must also learn to appreciate the beauty of individual differences. It is because according to Virginia Satir, “feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere in which individual differences are appreciated”.

Everyone, including nurses has values, ideas and beliefs that are unique and different from others. At times these values and beliefs will conflict those of the client. When the nurse has an understanding of individual differences she is able to accept differences among people and view each client as a worthwhile person regardless of that client’s opinions and lifestyle. The nurse will also be able to adapt and not let the differences interfere or hinder with client’s care.

MOTIVATION

Motivation involves the internal process that give behavior its energy and direction (John Reese, 1996). It is a crucial force that drives us towards our goal. Motivation differs in meaning, type and magnitude in different people. American psychologist Abraham Maslow has classified motives into five developmental levels, with the satisfaction of physiological needs most important and esteem and self-actualization needs least important. While cognitive psychologists Albert Bandura have suggested that individual mental processes, such as beliefs, play an important role in motivation, through the expectation of certain reinforcements for certain behaviors. Knowing these different theories of motivation will be very helpful in guiding us in formulating steps to change individuals in whatever setting we are in.

As a nurse one of our primary role is to be a catalyst for change. We assist our clients to make the necessary modifications in their behavior, diet, lifestyle and etc. For these changes to take place we must first be able to motivate them to change. There are different ways for us to motivate our clients but most of the time the method that we use is through what we call health teachings. Through our health teachings they are informed of the benefits of the reforms that we are proposing. But motivation is not only applicable to our clients. We can also use it to ourselves and cultivate our opportunity to grow and develop.

EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY

Finding the job that you want is synonymous with choosing a career of profession. It should match your qualifications, give you the potential to go up the career ladder and eventually make you successful in life. And the way to find the job you want is by knowing what you really want in life and how you want to accomplish it.

Understanding employment psychology is essential in every profession. It enables us to have an edge in this very competitive era. It aids us in knowing what can make or break us in our job opportunity. It is even more important in newly graduated nurses like me since there is ballooning oversupply of nurses. The scarcity of vacancies drives the competition on employment even stiffer. Aside from this it can also help nurses who are also employed in maintaining their jobs or to advance towards promotion.

GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE

Communication is a process whereby an individual shares his ideas, opinions, values and feelings with others. It is a way towards understanding others. It is an essential component of life.

As nursing practitioners we are involved with people at moments of stress, concern, joy and grief. In these times communication can be effective, productive exchanges or they can be cause of confusion and dismay. Understanding the principles of how to properly get along with people (successfully communicate) would lessen or even eliminate the frustrations and dissatisfactions that could arise.

All of us in nursing realize more and more that the skill of communicating is important in healthcare. The power of words can have a positive, helpful, healing and calming effect on any individual. That is why we must always need to realize the impact of our words on others.

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REFERENCES

King, David, 2002, How to win the job you want, Philippines, Worldlink Marketing Corporation

Kozier, Barbara, et al, 2004, Fundamentals of Nursing, Philippines, Pearson education SouthAsia

O’Brien, Maureen, 1996, Communication and Relationship in nursing, Philippines, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Reese, John, 1996, Motivating Others, Massachussetts, Allyn & Barn

Ujehly, Gertrud, 1998, Determinants of the Nurse-Patient Relationship, New York, Springer Publishing Co, Inc.

Videbeck, Sheila, 2004, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Philippines, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

References: King, David, 2002, How to win the job you want, Philippines, Worldlink Marketing Corporation Kozier, Barbara, et al, 2004, Fundamentals of Nursing, Philippines, Pearson education SouthAsia O’Brien, Maureen, 1996, Communication and Relationship in nursing, Philippines, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Reese, John, 1996, Motivating Others, Massachussetts, Allyn & Barn Ujehly, Gertrud, 1998, Determinants of the Nurse-Patient Relationship, New York, Videbeck, Sheila, 2004, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Philippines, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins