The Definition of Nursing Service
The American Nurses Association defines nursing service as an activity that involves the protection, promotion, and optimization of health. Nursing is also defined as the prevention of damage and sickness, the diagnosis and treatment of humans to reduce suffering, and the advocacy for caring services to individuals, populations, families, and communities (Camicia et al. 2013). This description provides an outline of what American nurses should perform in terms of patient care. It depicts the typical behavior required of nurses, namely, trying their utmost to provide health care to all, regardless of circumstance.
The Four Metaparadigm Theories of Nursing
This definition is related to the four metaparadigm theories of nursing which include health, person, nursing, and environment. At the personal level, the definition of nursing requires the treatment of an individual as a whole. While treating a person, nurses should embrace the ideals of a body, the mind, and the soul, whereby nurses prioritize patient's welfare first (O'brien 2017).
Health Metaparadigm and Diagnosing Patients
On health metaparadigm, the definition includes the diagnosing of patients. This is because; the health theory argues that each patient has different health conditions. Hence it is prudent that nurses should carry out a proper diagnosis to treat the disease.
Environment Metaparadigm and Influences on Health
Environment theory, on the other hand, holds that health is dependent on one's environment. The environment and how people live significantly influence their health (Camicia et al. 2013). The definition addresses this theory by stating that nurses should be advocates for providing care services to the whole population who face environment-related health problems.
The Nursing Metaparadigm
Lastly, the nursing metaparadigm theory wraps all these arguments together. The definition requires that nurses should strive to assist the patients in achieving and maintaining their health compassionately and professionally.
References
Camicia, M., Chamberlain, B., Finnie, R. R., Nalle, M., Lindeke, L. L., Lorenz, L. ... & Jones, T. (2013). The value of nursing care coordination: A white paper of the American Nurses Association. Nursing outlook, 61(6), 490-501.
O'brien, M. E. (2017). Spirituality in nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
