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The paradox of nursing *
Author(s) -
Chapman Christine M.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2648.1983.tb00325.x
Subject(s) - nursing , task (project management) , nursing process , interpersonal communication , process (computing) , nursing care , psychology , medicine , social psychology , computer science , management , economics , operating system
Most definitions, or descriptions of nursing emphasize that it is an interpersonal activity focusing on the understanding of the patient as an individual. In addition, such descriptions highlight not only the caring aspect of the role of nursing but also the health maintenance and rehabilitation aspects. The paper discusses the fact that despite these definitions, nursing is still task orientated, largely based on the medical model and hidebound by tradition. Suggestions are made of ways in which this approach may be altered. The use of the nursing process, the concept of the primary nurse and the developing of empathetic understanding being some of the ways in which individualized care may become a reality. The adherence to tradition highlights that nurses are the greatest hindrance to progress in nursing.