Deck 3: Philosophy of Nursing

Question 1

Where do you see yourself and your understanding of truth on the continuum of realism and idealism?

Answer 1

I see myself and my understanding of truth as being somewhere in the middle of the continuum of realism and idealism. I believe in the importance of acknowledging and understanding the realities of the world around us, while also striving for and believing in the possibility of an ideal future. I think it's important to be grounded in the truth of the present moment, while also holding onto hope and working towards a better future. This balance allows me to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of realism, while also maintaining an optimistic outlook.

Question 2

How would you define person? Look at the following attributes given to a person: (1) the ability to think and conceptualize, (2) the capacity to interact with others, (3) the need for boundaries, and (4) the use of language (Doheny, Cook, & Stopper, 1997). Would you agree? What about Maslow's description of humanness in terms of a hierarchy of needs with self-actualization at the top? Another possibility is that persons are the major focus of nursing. Do you see humans as good or evil?

Answer 2

The definition of a person can vary depending on different perspectives and theories. According to the attributes given, a person can be defined as an individual with the ability to think and conceptualize, the capacity to interact with others, the need for boundaries, and the use of language. These attributes encompass the cognitive, social, emotional, and communicative aspects of human beings, which are essential for defining a person.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs also provides a perspective on humanness, with self-actualization at the top of the hierarchy. This suggests that individuals strive for personal growth, fulfillment, and realizing their full potential as human beings. This perspective emphasizes the inherent drive for personal development and self-fulfillment as fundamental aspects of being human.

In the context of nursing, persons are indeed the major focus, as nursing is centered around providing care and support to individuals in need. This highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the unique qualities and needs of each person in the healthcare setting.

As for the question of whether humans are inherently good or evil, it is a complex and philosophical debate. Different perspectives and beliefs exist on this matter, and it is ultimately a matter of personal interpretation and worldview. Some may argue that humans have the capacity for both good and evil, while others may hold a more optimistic or pessimistic view of human nature. Ultimately, the perception of human nature as good or evil may vary based on individual experiences, cultural influences, and philosophical beliefs.

Question 3

Where do you see yourself and your understanding of truth on the continuum of realism and idealism?

Answer 3

I see myself and my understanding of truth somewhere in the middle of the continuum of realism and idealism. I believe in the importance of acknowledging and understanding the realities of the world around us, while also striving for and believing in the possibility of an ideal future. I think it's important to be grounded in the truth of the present moment, while also holding onto hope and working towards a better future. I believe that truth is complex and multifaceted, and that it can encompass both the practical realities of the world and the aspirational ideals that we strive for. Ultimately, I see truth as a balance between realism and idealism, and I strive to navigate that balance in my own understanding and approach to life.

Question 4

What are your beliefs about the major concepts in nursing-person, environment, health, nursing?

Question 5

Do you believe there is more than one right answer to situations? How do you value the whole individual? What barriers prevent us from responding to the contextual needs of our patients?

Question 6

Do I believe in health care for everyone? Does health care for everyone have value to me as a person? Does it have value to me as a nurse? What value does universal health care have to my patients?

Question 7

How does my personal philosophy fit with the context of nursing? Does it fit? What areas, if any, need assessing?

Question 8

Which statement best describes the stability of a philosophy of nursing?

A) Although the world may change, our philosophy of nursing remains constant and unwavering.
B) As society and individuals change, our philosophy of nursing changes to be congruent with new understanding.
C) Our system of values does not change in response to societal pressure.
D) Our philosophy of nursing is intrinsic and private, and there is no need to communicate these values to others.

Question 9

Which statement expresses what existentialists believe about the meaning of truth?

A) Truth is relative and practical.
B) Truth, if it can be found, can be found only through man's search for self.
C) Truth is in human consciousness.
D) Truth is always dependent on the knower and the knower's context.

Question 10

Which of the following steps is included in the process of valuing?

A) Choosing values
B) Prizing values
C) Acting on values
D) All of these are correct.

Question 11

Which of the following is a goal of values clarification exercises?

A) Redistribute values
B) Discern values
C) Acquire new values
D) Abandon values

Question 12

Which question should the nurse consider in writing a personal philosophy of nursing?

A) What is nursing?
B) Why does nursing exist?
C) What is nursing theory?
D) What is nursing, and what is nursing theory?
E) What is nursing, and why does nursing exist?

Question 13

Which of the following describes nursing core competencies related to values?

A) Understands ethical principles, values, concepts, and decision making that apply to nursing and patient care
B) Clarifies personal and professional values and recognizes their impact on decision making and professional behavior
C) Justifies clinical decisions
D) Clarifies personal and professional values and recognizes their impact on decision making and professional behavior and justifies clinical decisions
E) Understands ethical principles, values, concepts, and decision making that apply to nursing and patient care and clarifies personal and professional values and recognizes their impact on decision making and professional behavior

Question 14

Which of the following nurse behaviors demonstrates the competencies related to professionalism?

A) Suppresses expression of personal values
B) Promotes policies that uphold altruistic principles
C) Encourages discreet responses to ethical concerns
D) Suppresses expression of personal values and promotes policies that uphold altruistic principles
E) Suppresses expression of personal values and encourages discreet responses to ethical concerns

Question 15

Which of the following options demonstrates beliefs?

A) The sun will come up each morning.
B) Social drinking is immoral.
C) Everyone should vote.
D) All of these are correct.
E) None of these is correct.

Question 16

Which of the following best demonstrates a worldview based in realism?

A) The world is static.
B) Seeing is believing.
C) The social world is created.
D) The world is static and the social world is created.
E) The world is static and seeing is believing.

Question 17

Which actions demonstrate the inclusion of fundamental aspects of nursing in the definition of nursing?

A) Assessment of objective data and subjective experience of the patient
B) Provision of nursing care that facilitates healing of the patient
C) Medical diagnosis of the patient
D) Provision of nursing care that facilitates healing of the patient and medical diagnosis of the patient
E) Assessment of objective data and subjective experience of the patient and provision of nursing care that facilitates healing of the patient