Theories and beliefs
As nursing becomes encompassed with more complex technologies and focused stains of disciplines, I believe that professional practice is also evolving and being influenced into a more theoretical and political system of care. At times the opportunity for reflection via the “pause for thought” (Thompson & Pascal, 2012, p. 311), may give way to collaborative demands of the organisation. I think that most clinical reflection is done on the fly, using personal and peer experiences. Even when provided with reflection tools most clinicians r do not use them due to time restraints or their belief of being technical and dehumanising as proposed by Rolfe, Freshwater and Jasper 2011 (Thompson & Pascal, 2012, p. 313).
I began Nursing to escape from the nocturnal life of a musician. I did not really think about compassion, saving lives or service to others. These things grew as I developed within the profession and have contributed to enhancing both my professional and personal life. This is also enforced within Swansons theory of nurturing enhancing one’s own personal sense of commitment an responsibility (Watson 2008). As with most of us I too believe in “do no harm”, respect, integrity, loyalty and treating others as I would like to be treated. As I have these beliefs I subscribe and practice according to the ANMC competency standards of nursing practice, AHPRA regulations, legislation, organisational policies, procedures, codes and guidelines. However my adherence to these are totally dependent on my belief systems, values, theology and philosophies of life. I also have a sense of commitment, sacrifice and personal ethics which I initially subscribe as being firstly entrenched form parents and their previous life experiences….. etc.
Obviously, as stated by @Ashley Harwood, ‘belief systems change’ via many mechanisms of input. . Fisher 2010 divides practice into moral and non-moral, which incorporates emotional values, moral, to task related practices, non-moral. regardless of categorisation one thing stands out , ‘the more you learn the more you realise you do not know’. Therefore it is important to draw from others experiences, emoti0nal and task related and evaluate and seek mentors as to help guide us in establishing practice dynamics and paradigms. To change our theories and beliefs about practice we should seek evidences that regarding the best way to achieve desired outcomes, reflection on our own and others experiences as well as we will often mimic what we perceive as good qualities in others.
Nurses often can provide comfort, reassurance, dignity, respect and quality of care without even realising they are doing it. What comes to mind is; I recently had an operation myself, and one thing that still stands out to me now, is when I was going to sleep, one of the staff came over smiled and held my hand, the next thing I knew – I woke up in PACU. Many months later I still remember her ‘small act’ and probably always will. She may never know what she did meant so much. She probably didn’t realise such a small thing was so precious. The best thing was, I believe it was a natural instinct for her to reassure, care for and nurture her patients.
Therefore I think the best way to lead is to is to enhance the desire for learning within the team, remain open to change and accept feedback of all characteristics. Most days (try for all days), be a positive influence and example of your beliefs and goals and always remember do not forget those ‘little things’, they can help to humanise, add value and inspire.
National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse 2006.
Thompson, N. & Pascal, J. (2012). Developing critically reflective practice. Reflective Practice, 13(2), pp 311-325.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)Â http://www.anmac.org.au/search/publication?f[0]=im_field_type:18
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; Australian College of Nursing; Australian Nursing federation. (2008). Code of ethics for nurses in Australia. Melbourne. http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards.aspx https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
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