Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Jennifer L. Porter
Grand Canyon University: HLT-310v Spirituality in Healthcare
July 1, 2015
Abstract
This is a comparative essay of the Christian and Buddhist worldviews. First Sire’s seven questions will be introduced, whose answers will then construct a worldview. This paper will evaluate two differing worldviews, how they might be devised and their implications on the nursing profession. Both religions/philosophies, Christian and Buddhism respectively, having differing interpretations of the truth. The author will explore whether one person may hold pieces from each view or if the worldviews are mutually exclusive. The paper will conclude with a personal statement of beliefs from the author
…show more content…
The Zen master while pouring overfills the cup. At this time the professor begins to complain. The Zen master states: ‘A mind that is already full cannot take in anything new…like the cup, you are full of opinions and preconceptions’ (Rodgers & Yen, 2002, p 213). Many times Western thought includes a narrow or linear way of thinking and can in ways alienate other viable options. This includes not only alternatives but also ideas that can run congruent to the current thought processes. In this paper, the author will introduce Sire’s idea of what constructs a worldview (Shelly & Miller, 2006). In answering these questions from a Christian and then Buddhist standpoint, this paper will briefly discuss the similarities and differences that each worldview present. This paper will also address the nursing implications of these differing worldviews and in conclusion will provide a personal statement as to the author’s personal beliefs. Science has long since been dominated by Western thought; and since nursing is considered both an art and a science, the question is explored, can introduction of Eastern philosophies add to the understanding and compassion of care delivered by the nursing …show more content…
(2015) Reflection Two. Philosophy 104. Retrieved from http://cms.cerritos.edu/uploads/WorldCultures/pdf/Alves_Keith_Reflection_2.pdf
Dockery, D. (2015). Developing a Christian Worldview: An Introduction (part 1). Retrieved from https://www.uu.edu/centers/faculty/resources/article.cfm?ArticleID=364
Kim, D. d., McCalman, D. d., & Fisher, D. d. (2012). The Sacred/Secular Divide and the Christian Worldview. Journal Of Business Ethics, 109(2), 203-208.
Rodgers, B., & Yen, W. (2002). Re-thinking nursing science through the understanding of Buddhism. Nursing Philosophy, 3(3), 213-221.
Salladay, S. A., & Shelly, J. A. (1997). Spirituality in nursing theory and practice: dilemmas for Christian bioethics. Christian Bioethics,3(1), 20-38.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for nursing. (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL.: IVP
The world is diverse with different religious views, trying to quench the thirst of human spirituality needs. Knowing a different faith system will help a person to have a broader worldview and update their cultural competency. This paper compares the worldviews of Christianity and Buddhism based on “Sire’s Seven Worldview Questions”, to describe spiritual healing in both systems. It also explains the important factors to be considered when care is delivered by providers of different faith. The lessons learned from the study is also explained.
Shelly, J., & Miller, A. (2006). Called to care a Christian worldview for nursing (2nd ed.).
How I view and interact with the world shapes my world view, and this worldview is the culmination of my culture, values, and life experience. Given my background, the Reciprocal Interaction Worldview is the worldview which is closest in line to my personal beliefs and philosophies. The Reciprocal Interaction Worldview is an amalgam of characteristics and elements from several nursing paradigms and worldviews, and its paradigms frame most contemporary scientific nursing knowledge (Fawcett, 1993). As such, it serves as a reliable foundation for my personal nursing practice as I strive to provide evidence based care.
The purpose of this assignment is to enable the student, myself, to rediscover his or her personal philosophy of nursing as it exists upon the completion of the baccalaureate nursing program. Throughout the semesters, the view I had on what nursing meant to me has grown deeper, but one thing has stayed the same; my philosophy. In my philosophy project from the very first semester, I stated that nursing involves many different parts that all come together to make one great final end product, just like cookies. I compared nursing parts and all the different items nurses bring into the field, to being similar to the ingredients used to make cookies. I still believe that nursing is comprised of many different parts that all come together in order to give the best patient care possible. The personal philosophy paper now is an extension on that first semester’s assignment, to show the growth and development I have had while in this nursing program. It will explore what my personal definition of nursing is, the purpose of nursing, what assumptions in nursing there are, and will conclude with the principles of nursing.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) and Health Ministries Association (HMA) have described Faith Community Nursing (FCN) as a form of a specialized nursing practice carried out by a nurse within a faith community (American Nurses Association & Health Ministries Association, 2012). The role played by the FCN is to protect, promote, and optimize health and abilities, prevent illness and injury, and respond to distress regarding the practice beliefs and the values of a faith community. The FCN emphases on the purposeful care of the spirit as well as the promotion of holistic health and prevention and the reduction of illness (ANA & HMA, 2012). Furthermore, the FCN plays a significant role in developing community partnerships required to
As heath care providers we need to keep mindful of the care we provide to several different religious traditions. It is up to the health care professional to respect and understand the ideals that affect our patients and their family members. In this paper we will compare the philosophies of three diverse faiths. The faiths chosen are Islam, Christian Science and Buddhism, and how they compare to Christianity. We will learn about basic beliefs, spiritual perspectives on healing, and the components of healing such as meditation, prayer and other rituals they follow. Furthermore,
The medical field of nursing is based on servitude in God’s mission and through the means of compassion. Our missional goals must align with God’s (Wright, 2012). Nursing consists of care and compassion for the disadvantaged, weak, sick, and injured. This is in addition to the pursuit of high standards in professionalism, articulated in the delivery of a valuable service that is based on unique knowledge and experience, performed ethically, and practiced autonomously. The major characteristic of compassion is from God and how it relates to this world of professionalism is seen through nursing. Any job that advances God’s work in the world is a Godly choice (Col. 1:16-20).
The pervasive influence of scientific empiricism and Darwinism, “inevitably resulted in the establishment of the idea that the final reality is impersonal matter or energy being shaped into its present form by impersonal chance” (Schaeffer, 1981, p. 18). This change in worldview caused the removal of one of the basic foundations of nursing, the Bible. Throughout the Gospels we see that the ultimate purpose for physical healing was to restore people to a vital relationship with God and the community” (Shelly and Miller, 2006, p.24). Being able to demonstrate the value of this goal for today’s nurse is another important reason for me to understand nursing theory and history and how it applies to my philosophy of nursing.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”. (Proverbs 17:22). This quotation has always been my driving force in life and my approach to nursing. This paper aims at talking about my personal philosophy of nursing; a profession I am looking forward to. First, I will base my personal philosophy of nursing on four of the nursing theorists who have added more meaning to my understanding and appreciation of the profession. I will equally mention the driving philosophy of the Santa Fe Community College Nursing Department.
As a Catholic nurse living in California, the author encounters patients with different religion, but the author promptly sets aside her own beliefs, placing the patient as number one priority. The
Spiritual assessment and care of a patient at each medical or psychiatric appointment is an essential aspect of providing adequate care by all NPs. To be able to do so, NP must understand that spirituality and religiosity are not synonymous. Unlike the concept of religion, which defined by the online Oxford dictionary (2017) as “The belief in a worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods,” spirituality holds various definitions depending on whom you ask. According to Taylor (2002; who credits Reed [1992]) “…spirituality refers to that part of being human that seeks meaningfulness through intra-, inter-, and transpersonal connection (p. 10). Therefore, rapport with each
Health care providers are challenged with caring for patients and families from different religions, faiths and cultures. It is beneficial for a care provider to have an understanding of different beliefs so that the care and treatment plans coincide with patient’s religious faith. Creating individualized plans of care to meet the spiritual needs of their patients is necessary for providing them holistic care. Research is presented on three religious faiths, and their perspective will be compared to Christianity; helping nurses understand and recognize the diversity between different religions and faiths.
Cilliers and Terblanche (2014) recommended that nursing schools take note of the practices in fostering a learning environment focusing on the spiritual development of students. However, this is a focused organization, just for nurses. When nurses are taught on spiritual meaning, their view of spirituality may provide spiritual care for patients (Joseph & Samson, 2016). And, NCF is focused at incorporating prayer and scripture to life’s challenges. As the video, NCF Nursing Students: Invited to Care, mentioned, this is also another way to incorporate spreading the Lord and putting Him first. Because, nursing school is not all about grades, there is more to it, and we cannot lose focus. Growing self-awareness and personal maturity creates an understanding of how one’s own life story inspiration strength and weakness (Giske, & Cone,
Nurses that listen to their patients, not only notice that they are physically hurt, but they can also notice their emotional wounds. The empathy of knowing that the patient is emotionally hurt is part of the spirituality connection. Therefore, they might need comfort. O’Brien (2001) states that, “ No other profession provides the opportunity to touch and be touched by the human spirit as does the practice of nursing. It is this intimacy that calls us to reverence: reverence for God as our creator and Lord…” (pg.110). Nurses have the privilege to connect with people in ways that no other profession may be able to provide. Since nurses are patients advocate, our duty is to connect them with their spiritual beliefs and
A philosophy is created to find truth and meaning. It requires evaluation and use of critical thinking as to why one’s nursing practice matters. The history of philosophy and theories allows me to evaluate my personal nursing philosophy. I believe that each person is their own individual. My way of practicing nursing is by using compassion, listening to my patients and trying to understand them. It is not just the body or the disease but rather the holistic nature of the patient. I believe that nursing deals with promotion of health and prevention of disease. Lifelong education, research and evidence based practice are all utilized in my profession of nursing and are all concepts important to my nursing care.