Philosophy And Its Influence On Psychiatric Nursing



The Influence of Philosophy in Psychiatric Nursing PracticeCourtney HumphreyStenberg CollegeThe Influence of Philosophy in Psychiatric Nursing PracticePsychiatric Nursing as a discipline does not rely solely on one type of theoretical approach. In fact, the very foundation of Psychiatric Nursing draws on the theological ideologies and paradigms adapted from various schools of knowledge. Academia in which Psychiatric Nursing draws knowledge from is found in areas such as Psychology, Sociology and most importantly, Philosophy. By drawing from various bodies of knowledge this ensures that Psychiatric Nursing will not remain constant; it will subsequently be able to develop and transform over time. Why is this important? It is important because much like the world around us our patients and their mental health are continuously evolving and transforming. Thus, in order to stay relevant Psychiatric Nursing must evolve as well. Moreover, by drawing on various forms of academia such as Philosophy this brings new insight and understanding into the world of mental health. It also allows Psychiatric Nurses the freedom to explore and branch out from accepted norms therefore ensuring that Psychiatric Nursing does not become stagnant (Chinn, 2008, p. 1). By incorporating Philosophy into Psychiatric Nursing education, this increases student nurses’ understanding and awareness about the world around them. Thus Philosophy will help Psychiatric Nurses think with persistence and intensity about their practice (Griffen, 1980, p. 262) In other words, it will allow Psychiatric Nursing students to reflect, deliberate and question their own values and beliefs. This is important since nursing practice often raises moral questions of what is right, wrong and just. Therefore, it is essential that Psychiatric Nurses have a clear understanding of Philosophy since it will facilitate critical analysis of questions regarding nursing theory, ethics and freedom, and will in turn strengthen their practice. Psychiatric nurses must have solid foundation of philosophy in order to think critically about nursing theory. Given the variety of nursing theories that exit today this will help Psychiatric Nurses narrow down the theories that reflect their beliefs and values. In turn, this will help Psychiatric Nurses strengthen their practice. On the other hand, this will also ensure that patients receive the best quality of care since nursing theory directly impacts patients and those in health care (Thornton, 2007, para. 3). Through philosophical analysis of nursing theories, nurses may develop a clear understanding of the concepts, values and principles regarding Psychiatric Nursing and mental health. What exactly are nursing theories? According to Sieloff & Ralph in Nursing theory and management (2011) theories are “conceptualization of some aspect of reality that pertains to nursing” (p. 979). These conceptualizations are further articulated for the purpose of explaining, describing or prescribing nursing acts (as cited by Sieloff & Ralph, 2011). Thus nursing theories act as the foundation of Psychiatric Nursing and are used to guide the nursing practice. By combining different aspects of various nursing theories, nurses can develop a practice which is unique to them. What is interesting about nursing theories is that they represent different world views and are subsequently always up for debate; this means nursing theories are “always subject to revision in the light of further investigation” (Hosper, 2013, p. 105). By utilizing philosophical knowledge nurses are able to step back and question nursing theory and their practice. Moreover, it also allows psychiatric nurses to answer, evaluate and reason about life’s most basic and meaningful questions (LeHigh University, 2014, para. 6). On the contrary, this is unlike scientific knowledge, with which there would be a definite answer to a question. It is therefore evident that having a sound understanding of philosophy will allow nurses to question – not only their practice – but the nursing theories which represent the foundation of their craft. In doing so, this will strengthen nursing practice by allowing nurses to critically think about the world around them. Having a strong understanding of philosophy will allow Psychiatric Nurses the opportunity to analyze ethical questions and subsequently strengthen their practice. This is important since each day Psychiatric Nurses are “required to make ethical decisions in the course of caring for their patients” (Fry & Johnstone, 2008, p. 224). Ethical questions that often arise are those regarding patient autonomy, preserving life and alleviating suffering (Willson-Barnett, 1986, p. 123). What exactly are ethics? According to the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of B.C. (2010) nursing ethics are a set of acceptable behaviors and values of the Psychiatric Nursing Profession. Moreover, the Code of Ethics is the “framework for professional responsibility and accountability” (p. 1). Psychiatric Nurses are expected to uphold these standards, however; the Code Of Ethics does not provide answers to every ethical question. Thus, the Psychiatric Nurses must step back and examine their moral beliefs and values regarding ethical dilemmas. In order to do this Psychiatric Nurses must use philosophical analysis which provides them with a platform to ask these types of questions. By including philosophical inquiry into nursing practice, it allows nurses to ask questions such as “why?” In doing so, nurses can begin to examine why they hold certain values and beliefs since those opinions ultimately shape their practice. One might argue that when nurses have a clearer understanding of their values they are more likely to transfer these opinions into their practice. Therefore, Psychiatric Nurses should incorporate Philosophical analysis into their practice since it will provide them the opportunity to question what their thoughts and beliefs are regarding ethical dilemmas. In turn, this will strengthen Psychiatric Nurses practice by ensuring that their values and beliefs reflect their work. In order to critically analyze the concept of freedom, Psychiatric Nurses must have a clear understanding of Philosophy. This is important due to the complexity of freedom in regards to mental health. By utilizing philosophical analysis Psychiatric Nurses will be able to step back and examine what freedom means within their practice. Therefore, philosophical analysis gives Psychiatric Nurses the platform to question the various ideologies of freedom. Why is it important for Psychiatric Nurses to have an understanding of freedom? It is important because in terms of mental health freedom represents a patient’s right within the hospital. Therefore, in order to advocate for patient rights, Psychiatric Nurses must have a clear understanding of freedom. In the hospital setting, those who suffer from mental illness may unfortunately lose their freedom, and consequently their rights. However, this is not to say that all individuals who suffer from mental will lose their freedom. Although mental illness maybe viewed as an impediment to freedom, Hospers (2013) suggests that this is not the case. In fact, Hospers believes that mental illness should be viewed as debilitating rather than a loss of freedom (p. 153). On the other hand, Author M. Risjord in Nursing and human freedom (2013) believes that nurses should view freedom in terms of freedom from (negative) and freedom to (positive). Therefore, if having a mental illness causes patients negative consequences (freedom from) than it is the Psychiatric Nurses duty to advocate for the patient and restore their freedom. However, some philosophers will argue that the patient never had freedom at all because freedom is an illusion (Hospers, 2013, p. 154). In fact, philosophers have been debating the question of freedom for millennia (O’Connor, 2010, para. 1). One the other hand, philosopher Aristotle would argue that freedom is the “individual’s possibility to express themselves according to their will, their conscience, their nature” (Aparecida et al., 2012, para. 5). The question then remains: what definition of freedom will the Psychiatric Nurse accept? Whatever the case may be Psychiatric Nurses must practice in accordance of their Code of Ethics which states that they must uphold the freedom and autonomy of their patients (CRPNBC, 2010). Therefore, it is essential that Psychiatric Nurses have an understanding of Philosophy since it will aid in the critical analysis of freedom. In turn, this will ensure that Psychiatric Nurses practice will reflect their values and beliefs of freedom.It is evident that the foundation of Psychiatric Nursing is built upon theoretical frameworks and ideologies from various schools of knowledge. Psychiatric Nursing draws this knowledge from academia such as Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. It is important that Psychiatric Nurses have a solid foundation of Philosophy because Philosophy has a genuine impact on Psychiatric Nursing practice. Moreover, Philosophy provides nurses with the tools for critical analysis; ensuring that Psychiatric Nurses practice in a thoughtful manner, one which reflects their values and beliefs. By incorporating philosophical analysis into practice, this provides nurses with a clear understanding of critical questions which face Psychiatric Nurses such as nursing theory, ethics and freedom. By having a rich understanding of these questions – which are the basis of nursing – this will provide nurses with solid foundation for which to practice. It is therefore essential for Psychiatric Nurses to have a strong understanding of philosophical theories and concepts. ReferencesAparecida, R., Lanardt, M., Azevedo Massa, V., & Lacerda, M. (2012). The paradox of freedom and autonomy in nurses’ actions. Philosophy of Nursing. , P. L. (2008). The discipline of nursing. Advances in Nursing Science, 31(1), 1. of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of B.C. (2010). Code of ethics. Retrieved, from , S. T., & Johnstone, M. (2008). Ethics in nursing practice: a guide to ethical decision making. Blackwell Publishing, 224. Retrieved from , A. P. (1980). Philosophy and nursing. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 5, 261-272. , J. (2013). An introduction to philosophical analysis (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.LeHigh University. (2014). Why study philosophy? Retrieved from ’Connor, T. (2010). Free Will. Retrieved from , M. (2014). Nursing and human freedom. Nursing Philosophy: Nursing in the 21st Century, 15, 35-45. , C. L., & Ralph, S. W. (2011). Nursing theory and management. Journal of Nursing Management, 19, 979-980. , T. (2007). Essential philosophy of psychiatry. Retrieved from , J. (1986). Ethical dilemmas in nursing. Journal of medical ethics, 12, 123-126. Retrieved from ................
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