For centuries people studying the field of nursing have asked, “What is nursing?” Though there are many answers and philosophies on what constitutes nursing as a practice, the idea of nursing as a whole comes from a much deeper place. When a nurse can become self-aware and create a mindful presence he or she can then begin to understand and answer not only the question of what is nursing, but what can nursing can be.
Professional Presence
Models of Health and Healing In order to expand on what nursing is as a whole, one must return to what humanity was considered in the beginning era of healing. Koener uses the works of Larry Dossey to explore the first era of healing as health and illness being …show more content…
Conversely, I have seen a person who has received the diagnosis of cancer die within weeks because they could not move past the diagnosis and will themselves to fight and live. What I have learned from my patients is that consciousness and humanity is more than just your body sending signals to your brain. Consciousness is fighting to be alert so your daughter can come in and hug you one more time. Humanity is sneaking a patient with a platelet count of seven off the unit because they have lived at the hospital for six months and want to see their home and find their favorite robe in the closet. Humanity is holding the hands of a dying patient while their family rushes back to the hospital because no one deserves to die alone. Compassion and the willingness to open and share your life with another person is what make us human. The human consciousness is not as simple as the body responding to stimuli. The ability to affect one another and inspire hope, healing, and wellness is what makes us …show more content…
It is easy to become distracted with six patients all vying for attention and needing something. Some days it is hard to be mindful, but stopping to listen to what they are not saying can make all the difference in their world. A patient who wishes to “not be a pest” may be asking for a few more minutes of conversation or a joke to brighten their spirit. A patient who says they are tired may mean they are tired of treatment. In those moments slowing down and being present can open the door to therapeutic communication, touch, or silence that allows a patient or family member to open up and let their true needs be