...The Comfort Care Concept at End of Life Introduction End of life is a concept that is often ignored despite the fact that everyone will die some day. It is because death is a part of life that people are familiar with comfort care given at the end of life. Comfort care is offered when someone is dying, and when the end is predictable. Comfort care is an essential part of nursing care at the end of life. It is care that helps or soothes a person who is dying. The goal is to prevent or relieve suffering as much as possible while respecting the dying person’s wishes (NIH, 2012). The goal of comfort care in nursing is the immediate state of being strengthened by having the needs for relief, ease, and transcendence addressed in the four contexts of holistic human experience: physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental (Kolcaba, 2010). I have worked in the oncology field of nursing for 16 years and have seen several patients go through the end-of-life process. I have seen the better outcome of the dyeing process take place, this is when all four holistic human aspects are met, but sadly I have also seen a few complete the process without having one or more of the holistic context met. I must emphasize that delivering exceptional nursing comfort care to the patients who are in their final days or even hours prior to death, is just as vitally important as delivering critical care to the acutely or critically ill patients. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate...
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...college of Nursing NR501: Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice Conceptual analysis is integral in understanding nursing theory. According to Walker and Avant (1995), concept analysis allows nursing scholars to examine the attributes or characteristics of a concept. It can be used to evaluate a nursing theory and allows for examination of concepts for relevance and fit within the theory. The phenomena of pain will be discussed in this paper and how it relates to the comfort theory. This paper will define the term pain and how it pertains to the comfort theory. Next, there will be discussion from relevant literature in regards to pain. Its defining attributes will be covered and then antecedents and consequences will be addressed. Examples of empirical referents will be given, as well as a model case and alternative cases. Then the discussion will conclude with a summary of the analysis findings. Definition/Explanation of Pain According to Merriam-Webster, pain is defined as “the physical feeling caused by disease, injury, or something that hurts the body; or mental, emotional suffering, or sadness caused by some emotional or mental problem.” In general, pain refers to an unpleasant, distressful and uncomfortable feeling. Studies have shown that unrelieved pain can affect the quality of life of the individual, cause physical and emotional effects, and can impact family. The comfort theory was developed by Katherine Kolcaba. She defines comfort as “the...
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...1301-1310 An analysis of the concept of comfort Kathanne Y Kolcaba MSN RN C Instructor, College of Nurstng, The Umverstty of Akron, Akron, Oho and Raymond J Kolcaba PhD Associate Professor of PhkKophy, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Oho, USA Accepted for publicahon 14 Apnl 1991 KOLCABA K Y & KOLCABA R J (1991) Joumal of Advanced Nursmg 16, 1301-1310 An analysis of the concept of comfort Comfort IS a term that has a significant histoncal and contemporary assoaahon with nursmg Since the tune of Nightingale, it is ated as designating a desirable outcome of nursmg care Comfort is found m nursmg science, for example in diagnoshc taxonomies, and in references to the art of nursmg, as when practice is descnbed Roy, Orlando, Watson, Paterson and others use comfort m major nursing theones The term can sigrufy both physical and mental phenomena and it can be used as a verb and a noun However, because comfort has many different meanings, the reader has had the burden of deciding if the term is meant in one of its ordinary language senses or if its context reveals some speaal nursmg sense The purpose of this paper is to analyse the semantics and extension of the term 'comfort' m order to clanfy its use m nursmg practice, theory and research The semantic analysis begins with ordmary language because the conunon meanmgs of the term are the pnmary ones used m nursmg practice and are the ongm of technical nursmg usages Comfort is discussed as the term is found...
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...Comfort: Concept Analysis Concept analysis deals with the careful job of guiding clearness to the meaning of concepts used in science, according to McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2010) in Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice. This paper will analyze the concept of comfort which comes from Katarine Kolcaba’s Comfort theory. Comfort is the state that is experienced automatically by receivers of comfort interventions. It involves the holistic experience of being strengthened through having comfort needs addressed as defined by McEwen and Wills (2010). Comfort is a key concept and central value of nursing. As stated by Tutton, E., & Seers, K. (2003), An exploration of the concept of comfort, comfort is defined as a state, linked to outcomes such as ease, well-being and satisfaction. The steps used to perform this concept analysis on comfort come from the Walker and Avant’s steps of concept analysis. These steps are as follows: 1) select a concept; 2) determine the purposes of the analysis; 3) identify all uses of the concept; 4) define attributes; 5) identify a model case of the concept; 6) identify consequences of the concept; and 7) define empirical references of the concept (Walker & Avant, 2010). Each one of these steps will be discussed throughout this paper along with providing why comfort is necessary to providing comfort in different ways. Purpose of Concept Analysis Comfort is a meaningful need during a person’s life span that should be seen as an essential part of holistic...
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...moment for an advance practice nurse (APN) to realize, and understand the need for providing patient care, with up to date knowledge. The paper aims to discuss; the overview of nursing praxis and its benefits, overview of the APN, Empiricism influences on practice, comfort theory (CT) influences, deontology influences and utilization of the praxis in practice. Praxis Overview Merriam-Webster Dictionary (nd) defines praxis as first originating from Medieval Greek, and means doing, performing or practicing a skill, art or science. Chinn and Kramer (2011), explains praxis as a freedom of knowing that makes one reach a full potential, and optimal well-being. Praxis is different from one nurse to another. Nurse expertize develops overtime, through ongoing knowledge, critical thinking skills, and how one perceive the situation. Experience encourages self-motivation and promotes change (Chinn & Kramer, 2011). APN’s encounter with each patient is different, unique, and requires self-reflection of the encounter. With the current changes in patient care needs, praxis should be geared towards the APN area of practice (Masters, 2011).The more individualized the praxis framework the higher the wanted outcome, for both the practitioner and the patient. It is critical for an APN to have a picture of the expected role in practice. Overview of Advanced Nursing Role The family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), who cares for patients and families across...
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...Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring Jessamie Garvin University of Phoenix NUR/403 Theories and Models of Nursing Practice July 1, 2014 Instructor: Mega Deol Watson's Theory of Human Caring In today’s fast-paced and technology centered health care environment, nurses remain at the cornerstone of care by providing care, practicing the core concepts of nursing, and maintaining the caring models. To assist us in providing quality care we have theorists like Jean Watson whose theories influence and guide us in providing exceptional patient care. In this paper I will discuss Jean Watson’s theory of human caring including the background and the major concepts of her theory. In addition, I will discuss her theory and views of the nursing metaparadigms of person, health, nursing and environment as they relate to a personal experience in which I utilized Watson’s theory to cultivate a caring moment with a patient. Describe the background and major concepts of Watson’s theory of human caring. According to Jean Watson her philosophy and science of caring in nursing emerged from her quest to bring new meaning and dignity to the work and the world of nursing and patient care (Watson, 2008). Beginning with the question of the relationship between human caring and nursing, she developed The Theory of Human Caring and the Philosophy and science of caring. Watson defines caring as the ethical and moral ideal of nursing that has interpersonal...
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...Introduction As we glance at the evolution of nursing we begin to realize that the practice of today has been built upon 140 years of research that is responsible for the growth and development of evidenced based practice. This paper will explore several theories from Florence Nightingale to today’s theorist in sequence to visualize the development of our current nursing practice Each theorist has its own unique conceptual model that propels our profession to think differently when applied to our practice. Evidenced based practice is therefore a deliberate, intellectual activity by which the practice of nursing is approached in an orderly, systematic manner also known as the nursing process (Walker & Avant, 2011). Historical Timeline Theories are concepts that have been investigated and developed into theory to guide and explain nursing practice. Florence Nightingale was known as the pioneer of nursing theory, the first nursing theory that focuses on the manipulation of the environment for the benefit of the patient which has directed nursing practice for 140 years (George, 20011). Nightingale’s theory is based upon the belief that the force for healing resides within the human being and that, if the environment is appropriately supportive, humans will seek to heal themselves. Her 13 canons indicate the areas of environment of concern to nursing including ventilation, warming, health of houses , taking food, bedding, light, cleanliness of rooms and walls...
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...The Caring Moment related to Watson’s Theory University of Phoenix NUR 403 [Do not need Course Number on Title Page] [Repeat title on the first page of text] Nursing is one of the noblest professions in the world, and is the art of caring for the sick and the well with the science of health care and is a vital form of medical care. Nurses care for individuals who are healthy and ill, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, and who have physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. Nursing is a universal profession that is practiced in its present form all over the world, which touches human lives from conception to death. The profession combines physical science, social science, nursing theory, and technology in caring for those individuals. Nurses have experienced difficulty with the medical field that has resulted in an impression that the nurse’s primary purpose is to follow the direction of a doctor. Nursing education started with the apprentice type of educational preparation and has such then evolved into the modern nursing of today. Nursing has taken giant steps in the preparation of its practitioners through the many theories that have provided nursing with the foundation for educational philosophies. Excellent opening paragraph—you “grab” the reader’s attention. Remember, the introduction should do two things: provide an overview...
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...Watson’s Theory of Caring Paper Stacimay NUR/403 January 24, 2011 Nita In this paper the subject to discuss is Watson’s Theory of Caring, a description of her key concepts and include the application of Watson’s theory in a nurse-patient relationship. It will identify the carative factors pertinent in the patient-nurse relationship and attempt to provide an explanation of how Watson’s portrayal of person, health, and environment are important facets of her theory. Watson earned her doctoral degree in educational psychology and counseling and a published author of works in psychology and the theory of caring (Cara, 2003). She studied the art of caring throughout the world and her research focused on the art of human caring and loss. Watson’s theory of nursing, “The Philosophy and Science of Nursing” was published in 1979 that began the process identifying the 10 caritive factors (Current Nursing, 2010). According to McCance, McKenna, and Boore, (1999) Watson’s theory of nursing is grounded in the “philosophy of being and knowing (p.1389). Watson (2003) asks that nurses “reexamine our own meaning of life and death” and from this come to understand the art of caring and healing not only of others but also ourselves (p. 197). Watson encourages nurses to return to the basics that beckoned them to become a nurse in the first place and the practice of the art of caring for another human being (Alligood, 2010). The American Nurses Association concurred with Watson...
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...Pragmatic View of Jean Watson’s Caring Theory Chantal Cara, Ph.D., RN Université de Montréal Faculty of Nursing Goals Provide an overview of Dr. Jean Watson’s caring theory to the nursing community. Facilitate the understanding of her work allowing nurses to readily apply this knowledge within their practice. Objectives Describe the general aspects of Watson’s caring theory. Describe how Watson’s caring theory can be applied to clinical practice. Describe the person through Watson’s caring lens. Describe the person’s health through Watson’s caring lens. Describe nursing through Watson’s caring lens. Key Words: Watson’s caring theory, clinical caritas processes, transpersonal caring relationships, caring occasion, clinical application of Watson’s theory Abstract As most health care systems around the world are undergoing major administrative restructuring, we expose ourselves to the risk of dehumanizing patient care. If we are to consider caring as the core of nursing, nurses will have to make a conscious effort to preserve human caring within their clinical, administrative, educational, and/or research practice. Caring must not be allowed to simply wither away from our heritage. To help preserve this heritage, caring theories such as those from Jean Watson, Madeleine Leininger, Simone Roach, and Anne Boykin are vital. Through this continuing education paper we will learn the essential elements of Watson’s caring theory and explore an example of a clinical...
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...Watson's Theory of Human Caring Paper NUR 403 Watson's Theory of Human Caring Paper A caring moment occurs whenever a nurse and patient come together with their unique life histories and extraordinary experiences in a human to human transaction. These moments can be verbal or nonverbal. Examples of nonverbal moments can be as simple as a smile or touch for encouragement or more complex such as preparing their body after death for the family to view. Examples of verbal moments can occur when speaking softly to a new born baby, encouraging the patient to express their concerns and fears or simply by telling them goodbye at their time of death. We need to consider that a caring moment can be different for every patient depending on their needs, concerns and emotional status. According to Jean Watson, this human to human connection expands our compassion and caring and keeps alive our common humanity. The major concepts in Watson's theory include the Human being, Health, Environment or society and Nursing. A human being is a valued person to be cared for, respected, nurtured, understood and assisted. Health is considered to be a unity and harmony within the mind, body and soul; health is associated with the degree of congruence between the self as perceived and the self as experienced. Environment or society provides the values that determine how one should behave and what goals one should strive toward. Nursing is referred to as human science of persons and...
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...Madeleine Leininger’s Trancultural nursing theory overview and clinical application Introduction and background “ A lack of cultural and care knowledge is the missing link to nursing’s understanding of the many variations required in patient care.” (Sitzman, Eichelberger, 2011, p. 93). Madeleine Leininger first developed the transcultural nursing theory in the 1950’s. She had an epiphany during some time spent in a child guidance home. She deduced that the reoccurring behavior patterns in the children had an underlying cultural basis (Sitzman, Eichelberger, 2011). She formed a theory of Culture Care to improve the way people of multiple cultures are being cared for in hospitals and other care centers. Leininger preferred to address patient care as a holistic project and incorporated her theory to caring about the patient’s mental and emotional wellbeing as it relates to a patient’s cultural comfort level with any particular medical procedure or nursing care protocol. She addressed the need to change nursing from a merely physical and physiological care of a patient into a more encompassing role of addressing cares as they relate to culture and religious beliefs of patients (Leininger, 1992, p. 1). This paper will define the theory and discuss cliical applications of this theory. Culture, caring, diversity and values are keywords one observes in this Theory’s basic tenets. Basic assumptions one sees from reading a summarized listing of the theory’s tenets are that...
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...Importance of Nursing Theory Chamberlain College of Nursing Theoretical Basis Adv Nursing NR501 July 20, 2015 Importance of Nursing Theory Theory is an arrangement of thoughts meant to describe something. These thoughts and ideas usually have basic principles that validate the purpose of the proposed theory. Nursing theory is a well thought out scholarly structure of concepts. These concepts are created to help guide nursing practice. They explain the fundamentals of nursing care. Multiple clinical decisions are based upon nursing theories. There are many different types of nursing theories developed primarily by nurses. Nursing theorist’s main goal is to examine nursing practice and explain the working or non-working parts of nursing. Theorists frequently use their academic and clinical experiences when producing theories. A very popular and influential nursing theorist in the twentieth century was Virginia Henderson. The development of her Nursing Need Theory has greatly impacted nursing practice today (Waller-Wise, 2012). This paper will include four sections. Section one will examine how theories have an impact and importance to the nursing profession. Section two will review the relationships among the concepts of Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory. Section three will examine two real-life examples illustrating the views of Henderson’s Theory. Section four will contain a summary and conclusion along with the knowledge gained from writing this paper. Section...
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...Nursing theory is assumed as the body of information, which is used to assist the nursing practice. Nursing models are created with theories and perceptions. They are used to assist nurses assess, plan and implement patient care by delivering an outline within which to work. Nursing models also assist the nurses to accomplish consistency and unified care. This presentation shall examine the importance of Dr. Jean Watson’s theory of caring in today’s nursing practice, its relation to metaparagidm concepts and how the theory help us to improve the current nursing practices. Watson delivers many valuable impressions for nursing practice. •Watson ties different theories together which are frequently being used in clinical nursing practice. •The comprehensive explanations of the care factors which can provide direction to the nurses who desire to train as a bedside nurse or do nursing research. “Her accomplishments are the following - Recipient of numerous awards counting: an international Kellogg Fellowship in Australia, a Fulbright Research Award in Sweden and six Honorary Doctoral Degrees, including 3 International Honorary Doctorates (Sweden, United Kingdom, and Quebec) She was the 1993 recipient of the National League for Nursing Martha E. Rogers Award, which identifies a nurse academic who has made substantial donations to nursing information that advances the science of caring in nursing and health sciences. New York University recognized her as a Distinguished Nurse...
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...Family Value Paper Siana Stone NUR 542 March 11, 2013 University of Phoenix Family Value Paper This family value paper individual assignment will discuss the concept of family nursing that has developed into a fundamental aspect of nursing. Research of nursing has shown that individual poor health affects the entire family and not only an individual, plus, the effectiveness of health care is improved when emphasis is placed on family (Harmon & Hansen, 2001). There was no conceptual theoretical framework that was found in family nursing. Friedman, Bowden and Jones (2003), discussed the lack of a complete family nursing theory with their proposal “nurses must draw upon multiple theories to work effectively with families” (p. 62). This particular subject matter will discuss the family system and theories related to the up-and-coming to unite with family nursing. This will also portray stratagem to integrate nursing theories in the practice of family nursing. This includes family work as a system, concept of area of nursing practice, most helpful area in my nursing of practice, chosen concept of family and why is it helpful, theories conducive in the area of my practice and last, the conclusion. Family work as a system Family must first define themselves to have a better understanding on how to work as a family nursing system. In real life family is composed primarily mother, father, single, and married children. Family must have unity to function...
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