Essay Sample on The Evolution of Environmental Thinking in Nursing

Introduction

Since the era of Nightingale, nurses' perspectives of environs have differed significantly. These standpoints are based on idiosyncratic and universal perceptions because of their multifaceted nature. This paper aims to assess three key ecological dynamics that influence how nurses view their work setting. They include egotistic, anthropocentric and ecocentric exemplars (Kleffel, 2006). Besides, this essay discusses the evolution of current developments in ecological lucidity. The egotistic perspective is rooted in the principle that whatever is best for an individual is best for the community. This aspect entails respect for the patients' freedom, dignity, and self-determination. On the other hand, the anthropocentric perspective is ingrained at the societal level. The basis of this concept is the notion that social objectivity supersedes subjective growth. Ecocentric perspective entails the nurses' views of the universe and its contents. This philosophy transpires from the all-inclusive approach of singleness with the living earth. From the illustration, it is evident that nursing's notions of environment vary significantly, contingent on the shared beliefs and values, political matters, and the hospice settings.

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Egotistic Perspectives

The nurses' embracement of egocentric ideas dates to the Victorian era. The pioneer of this concept was Florence Nightingale who highlighted the core environmental dynamics fundamental for patient-centered care and healing. In her book titled "Notes on Nursing," she mentions the need for clean air and water, practical sewer system, hygiene, proper diet, light, and warmth (Chaffee, & McNeill, 2007). Even so, she highlights that the aesthetic appeal of the patients' surrounding can improve their health. For example, nurses can add artistic features to their patients' rooms, including putting painted pictures on the walls and flowers in vases. Moreover, Nightingale encouraged the use of pets such as cats as companions during hospital stays. This practice is still common in the modern world.

Other nonmedical therapeutic practices recommended by Nightingale still being applied in modern health care include music and aroma therapies. Moreover, current egotistical views entail upholding various forms of hospice etiquette such using kind words while conversing with the patients, being realistic about the probability of a patient's recovery, maintaining confidentiality about the patients' conditions. Embracing these ideas translates to showing Agape love to the patients. Additionally, nurses donning Victorian skirts symbolizes ubiquitous coziness and vigilance. According to Valentine-Maher (2008), the desire by a nurse to identify with the cosmic process and to relate with nature mutually reinforces his or her humanity and imparts a feeling of transcendence. Thus, prompting him/her to transfer or share Agape love.

Anthropocentric Perspectives

These ideas are based on the protection and preservation of the environment to improve the patients' wellbeing. During the Victorian period, nurses realized that practices such as proper dumping of sewage and leftovers, the necessity for irrigation and clean water supply, mitigation of congestion, and improved housing could improve the healing process (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2013). Besides, they also advocated for a change in government policies to introduce practices like the establishment of public russet rooms, cooperative stores, and investments banks to improve the welfare of the people. According to Nightingale, nursing extends the primary roles of prescribing doses giving medications.

Even so, it is essential that nurses undergo training in corporate social responsibility (CSR). They can use the skills they acquire during such trainings to promote advocacy campaigns aimed at protecting and preserving the environment. For example, they take the initiative to teach the public about general hygiene and sanitation and make a report about the available loopholes in public health. The report will help the community and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector to identify and eliminate risk factors responsible for disease outbreaks. Over the years, some recommendations provided by Nightingale are still in use today. For instance, in the modern world, life insurers examine their clients' houses, neighborhoods, streets, and closeness to water bodies like rivers and lakes to ascertain longevity.

Ecocentric Perspectives

It is essential that nurses address the broader social, economic and political paradigms of the environment (Blas, & Kurup, 2010). During the Victorian era, nurses began to advocate for an end to socioeconomic and political issues such as famine, poverty, female slavery, and sex trafficking. Moreover, others like Nightingale campaigned for prison reforms and protection of endangered bird species. Politics was also integral to health care reforms. For instance, Nightingale addressed issues related to imperialism, immigration, and autochthonous health. Nightingale's use of politics to affect change was not entirely successful. She faced many barriers such as the difference in religion and ideologies, misogyny and war among others. She used her many contacts and powerful friends to drive this change.

That said, the political environment has a significant impact on nursing today. Many health care providers are embracing good politics to encourage the effective provision of medical services. Currently, many stakeholders in the healthcare sector are discouraging the spread of medical propaganda, including those that promote the notion that women as health care clients should be submissive, reliant and unquestioning (Ehrenreich, 2002). In addition, these pufferies discourage women from pursuing higher education, including nursing training.

Conclusion

From the essay, nurses view the environment from different perspectives. How nurses perceive the various paradigms of their immediate setting is key to effective nursing practice. Some view their surrounding in individual context while others view their in-group perspective. During the Victorian era, Nightingale divided these ecological factors into three groups, including ecocentric, egocentric and homocentric standpoints. The latter represents the wide-ranging social, economic and political issues that affect nursing. Egocentric ideas represent the selfless provision of medical service without external influences. Lastly, homocentric views necessitate the protection and preservation of the ecology to ensure good public health.

References

Blas, E., & Kurup, A. S. (Eds). (2010). Equity, social determinants and public health programmes. World Health Organization.

Chaffee, M. W., & McNeill, M. M. (2007). A model of nursing as a complex adaptive system. Nursing outlook, 55(5), 232-241.

Ehrenreich, B. (2002). The emergence of Nursing as a political force. Policy and politics in nursing and health care, 141-156.

Kleffel, D. (2006). The evolution of the environmental metaparadigm of nursing (pp. 97-108). Jones and Barlett Publishers, MA.

Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K., & Chaffee, M. W. (2013). Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare-Revised Reprint. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Valentine-Maher, S. (2008). The transformative potential of realigning agape and eros in the continued development of nursing's role. Research and theory for nursing practice, 22(3), 171-181.

Winland-Brown, J., Lachman, V. D., & Swanson, E. O. C. (2015). The new'Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements'(2015): Practical clinical application, Part I. Medsurg Nursing, 24(4), 268.