Definition of Nursing
Nursing, as a healthcare area, covers a wide range of care activities. The International Council of Nurses (2020) gives the following definition: “nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings” (para. 1). At the same time, the practice of nurses involves working with patients of different ages and with distinctive health problems. The provision of medical care to those in need meets the standards of nursing practice and defines the industry in question as an environment in which self-commitment and professionalism are mandatory aspects of activities. Thus, caring for patients with various problems forms the background of nursing.
Assumptions or Underlying Beliefs
Despite the fact that the nursing sphere is an area in which an individual approach to each patient is promoted, the basic beliefs about the specifics of this practice and its role in healthcare systems are usually universal. For instance, according to Pickles et al. (2019), the socio-cultural aspect forms a significant background of values ​​and practices promoted in nursing. Interaction with the public is a mandatory aspect of the work of junior medical staff, and adherence to the ethical standards of communication is a prerequisite for competent work. Another belief in nursing practice is loyalty to this occupation as an integral component of professionalism. Pickles et al. (2019) note that the vast majority of educational programs and courses aim to improve the competence of employees in the context of commitment as a significant element of advanced practice. At the same time, the authors argue that personal beliefs should not contradict with professional values, which proves the relevance of self-commitment (Pickles et al., 2019). Thus, the fundamental beliefs and assumptions related to nursing include adherence to care standards and ethical communication.
Definitions of Major Domains of Nursing
Nursing practice is characterized by different principles and standards that vary depending on such conditions as the target audience, the features of care, the material base, and other criteria that determine the nature of interventions. However, by analyzing the background of this area, one can single out four basic domains that form the basis of the work of junior medical specialists and regulate their key responsibilities. In particular, Branch et al. (2016) mention “person, health, environment, and nursing” as domains that serve as the main metaparadigms of nursing practice (p. 123). The domain of person defines the work of nurses in relation to the patient as a key object of care. Health is the quality of care and the well-being of the target audience, which are achieved through competent interventions. The domain of the environment determines specific factors that have an impact on patient care, including internal and external influences. Finally, the nursing domain characterizes how medical specialists in this field apply available knowledge and skills to organize a productive care process. All the four domains form the basis of staff work and determine priority tasks and development paths.
Summary
The aforementioned domains form the basic principles of nursing and complement one another, thereby identifying the key areas of work. None of the metaparadigms can be implemented separately since significant aspects of care may be missed. For instance, the health of patients can be addressed competently, but if a specific environment is not taken into account, in particular, unique factors affecting particular indicators, interventions can be ineffective. Thus, nurses should promote the principles of work that allow addressing all the four domains to prevent the patient from deteriorating. Following these metaparadigms is the key to productive communication between staff and the target audience and is of great importance in the context of maintaining a favorable care environment.
Due to the constant emergence of new approaches and methods of interventions, nursing is developing steadily. In the future, specialists in this healthcare sector will be able to apply innovative technologies for interacting with patients, which will influence the quality of care positively. The current trend of continuing education is important in terms of enhancing the professionalism of nurses. In case this trend continues, more highly qualified employees will work in this area, and better results will be achieved through the application of relevant research and change practices.
At the stage of professional development, I can encounter some challenges. For instance, nursing implies interacting not only with patients but also with members of their families, and this communication may be complicated by cultural contradictions. Also, I can experience a high workload caused by a large amount of work. However, in case of adequate leadership control and through the application of the principles of interpersonal communication that I have learned, I will be able to overcome these challenges and establish productive work activities.
In order to develop professionally, I set myself the goal of accumulating not only practical but also theoretical experience. Studying various nursing approaches and concepts can help me obtain comprehensive data on the specifics of working with patients in different conditions. Another significant goal is to establish interaction with senior colleagues. Experienced staff members have advanced knowledge and can share valuable tips and recommendations regarding nursing activities. In general, ongoing self-education and the desire to increase individual professional potential are significant goals to achieve.
References
Branch, C., Deak, H., Hiner, C., & Holzwart, T. (2016). Four nursing metaparadigms. IU South Bend Undergraduate Research Journal, 16, 123-132.
International Council of Nurses. (2020). Nursing definitions. Web.
Pickles, D., Lacey, S. D., & King, L. (2019). Conflict between nursing student’s personal beliefs and professional nursing values. Nursing Ethics, 26(4), 1087-1100. Web.