Response 3

Respond to discussion below using current APA edition and 2 scholarly (academic) references within 5 years or less. Must be at least 150 words.

The Concept of Personhood

The concept of personhood is at the core of the nursing as caring theory. This theory was developed by Jean Watson in the 1970s and has since gained widespread recognition in the nursing profession. Watson’s theory emphasizes the importance of treating each patient as a unique individual with their own experiences, emotions, and needs. It is based on the premise that caring can promote healing and enhance the overall well-being of patients. Central to the nursing as caring theory is the idea that the nurse-patient relationship is a partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and empathy (Eklund et al., 2019). As nurses strive to provide high-quality care to their patients, understanding and embracing the concept of personhood is critical to delivering care that is both compassionate and effective.

The nursing as caring theory is an approach to nursing that places an emphasis on relationships and the inter connectivity of all beings. One key concept in this theory is personhood, which refers to the unique qualities and characteristics that make each individual who they are. Personhood is integral to the nursing as caring theory because it emphasizes the importance of treating each patient as a whole person, rather than just a set of symptoms or conditions. This view acknowledges the complexity of human beings and the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

One aspect of personhood that is particularly important in the nursing as caring theory is the idea of connectedness. A central tenet of this theory is that all living things are connected and interdependent, and that human beings are part of a larger ecosystem. Thus, healthcare providers must take into account the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients in order to provide the most effective care (Langberg et al., 2019). Consequently, nurses can help patients to understand the impact that their lifestyle choices have on their health, and provide guidance on ways to make positive changes.

The caring theory addresses the concept of personhood through the idea of presence. Presence refers to the ability of the healthcare provider to be fully engaged with the patient both physically and emotionally. This means being fully present in the moment, attentive to the patient’s needs and concerns, and willing to listen and respond to their questions and feedback. This deep level of engagement is essential in building trust and rapport with patients, and can have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

The element of spirituality in healthcare cannot be underestimated. This can include religious beliefs and practices, as well as other forms of spiritual expression. By taking a holistic approach to healthcare, nurses can help patients to explore their spirituality and use this as a means of coping with illness and other challenges (Wei et al., 2019). The approach can help patients to find meaning and purpose in their lives, which can be an important factor in overall health and wellbeing. Healthcare providers must take a proactive approach to learning about the needs and preferences of individual patients. This can involve asking open-ended questions, actively listening to feedback, and working collaboratively with patients to develop treatment plans that take into account their unique needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, the nursing as caring theory places a strong emphasis on the concept of personhood, recognizing the unique qualities and characteristics that make each individual who they are. By taking a holistic approach to healthcare and recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things, nurses can provide more effective care and help patients to achieve better health outcomes. To effectively incorporate the concept of personhood into their nursing practice, healthcare providers must take a proactive approach to learning about and understanding the needs and preferences of individual patients, and work collaboratively with them to develop treatment plans that address their unique needs and circumstances.