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mar's Desk

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marcoujor: Public & Community Health Nursing

5/4/2016

25 Comments

 
Picture
Traditionally nurses have been encouraged and trained to be patient - centered.  When I graduated in 1983, I found older nursing colleagues to be focused on physical signs and symptoms of the condition that resulted in hospitalization.  This seemed narrow in focus - especially when many patients were readmitted to our hospital through the years for the same signs and symptoms.

When Holistic Nursing formally arrived on the scene in the 1990s, I had no problem adjusting to the shift in nursing's mindset. Nursing returned to the core beliefs of the very first holistic nurse, Florence Nightingale, who believed that patient care focused on unity, wellness, and the interrelationship of human beings and their environment. 

Holistic nursing is defined as “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal” (American Holistic Nurses’ Association,1998). The nurse is a therapeutic partner with the people in their care. This practice recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotion, spirit, social/cultural, relationship, context, and environment. 
 
In Holistic nursing, the care givers (nurses...) integrate self-care, self-responsibility, spirituality, and reflection in their lives. This enhances an even greater awareness of the interconnectedness with self, others, nature, and spirit. 

"Holistic nursing is not necessarily something that you do: it is an attitude, a philosophy, and a way of being" (AHNA, 1998)

Today, no matter what subject I teach nurses, I cannot help but integrate holistic principles.  In an eight week, Community and Public Health Nursing course, the first couple weeks are spent decreasing anxieties and gaining an understanding of the depth and breadth of the 'community' as a client. 

Public Health Nursing has a broad client base, including:  the individual; the family; a group (like a Girl Scout troop); a population group (like pregnant teens in a school district); an organization (workplace, school); and community (like the homeless population in a city).

The following short YouTube is a creative and energetic overview of what Public Health encompasses:

In class, assignments are geared to each student increasing an awareness of their self- responsibility, through reflections and research of such areas as immunizations; disaster preparedness; the effect of economy on health care.
​ 
A Windshield Survey Assessment of the student's county is conducted - considering the following assessment parameters (as in Nies & McEwen: Community / Public Health Nursing; 6th edition; 2015):
  • geography
  • population
  • environment
  • industry
  • education
  • recreation
  • religion
  • communication
  • public services
  • disaster programs
  • social programs
  • health manpower
  • political organization
  • health statistics
  • community services
  • transportation
This assignment is illuminating for the student - reinforcing possibilities (not problems) and strengths (not weaknesses) that every community exhibits. 
​
Nickelback's video of "If Everyone Cared" is strong in lyrics and message...summarizing poignantly that each of us has the power to make a difference in preserving our health, environment, safety and freedom from harm.
​Through teaching, I'm convinced that empowering and encouraging the critical thinking processes of my students reaps a profession filled with unlimited possibilities and hope for health promotion.

ShoutOuts!

☙  A Senior Moment: Glamping vs Camping via Graceful Intentions
☙  Going Bananas 2! Via WarnerWords
☙ Barton Nunnelly: Bigfoot in Kentucky

Until we meet again, I wish you peace and good health,

mar
25 Comments
Kimmie
5/4/2016 07:19:39 am

Hello Mar and good morning,

Holistic nursing is vital in my opinion as it encompasses the whole being. Who does not feel better and heal faster if being treated with comfort and nurturing as well. I attempted to look at the whole person as a school nurse. Amazingly many symptoms of sickness was cured with kind words and a big hug such as a stomach ache or "I am just not feeling good today" I am so happy you are teaching your students this very important principal.
Great post my friend
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 07:07:14 am

What a sweet image of you, dear Kimmie...I can see you being so nurturing to the youngsters as you worked in the schools.

Thanks for stopping by and forever inspiring me. Love, mar

Reply
Charlottel
5/4/2016 07:45:31 am

Good morning, Mar! I love this post. It is of the utmost importance for teaching & practicing nursing! It teaches new nurses to Nurse the Whole person, not just a few symptoms. As well as checking and maintaining their own wellness in that perspective as well. God bless you in this mission!

Take Good care of You,

Charlotts

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 07:03:10 am

Thanks for your insightful remarks, dear Char.

It's so important for nurses to tend to their own self care - in many cases 'easier said than done'.

Take care and have a lovely day. Hugs, mar

Reply
Peg Cole link
5/4/2016 09:01:42 am

Bringing holistic health to the nursing curriculum really makes sense to me. I remember our family doctor explaining how he used to make house calls to people in outlying areas of Fort Worth. He said it gave him a chance to observe his patients in their own environment and offer clues about their condition. Often he was paid in chickens. Dr. Richards practiced medicine well into his eighties.
It's always a pleasure to learn more about your profession and the depth of your training. Thanks for this great insight into Public Health and nursing.

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 07:01:15 am

Dr. Richards sounds like a fine man and way ahead of his time, dear Peg. Thanks for sharing these heartwarming memories.

Have a peaceful day. Love, Maria

Reply
Vickster link
5/4/2016 09:13:11 am

Dear Maria,
Excellent article, and the public health vid really adds to it. Love the way you teach your students the whole person counts, and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Thanks for this lovely writing about your passion.
Big hugs and love

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 06:58:23 am

Dear Vickster,
I'm happy you enjoyed this video - I thought it was a great explanation of public health nursing.
Thanks for your visit and support. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Sunshine
5/4/2016 10:38:10 am

I continue to learn from each of your amazing musings. Thank you, MM. Xo

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 06:54:50 am

Thanks, dear Sunshine - sending you hugs and positive energy today.

Reply
Martie link
5/4/2016 03:19:43 pm

Dearest Mar,

I wish all nurses in South Africa could attend your courses. Those who are truly nurses at heart are the minority down here.

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 06:53:43 am

This makes me sad, dear Martie... I cannot imagine being a 'nurse without a heart'. Love you much, mar

Reply
Mike
5/4/2016 07:30:54 pm

Hello mar - you always put such a positive spin on every endeavor.

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 06:51:43 am

Thanks, Mike - always so good to see you.

Reply
Ruby link
5/4/2016 10:18:04 pm

I am so very in tune with your approach to nursing. So many times we treat the illness and not the person. I firmly believe in holistic practice and many Doctors are looking into the many benefits. Take care my friend..

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 06:50:25 am

Thanks, Nurse Ruby...your comments do not surprise me.

Love you and your big heart, mar

Reply
Theresa
5/5/2016 03:00:47 pm

Dear Maria,

You put heart into every aspect of your life, and I know those you are teaching ...the future nurses' patients will reap the benefit of that special nurturing care from the Holistic approach. It seems the only logical approach to nursing in my mind.

Both videos are wonderful. I love that song by Nickelback too. The world would be such a different place that we would not even recognize (in a good way of course) if everyone truly cared.

Love you,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
5/5/2016 09:29:07 pm

Thank you, dear Theresa for your heartfelt remarks. I thought you'd like this song as I do - what a powerful message.

Wishing you a peaceful night and sweet dreams. Love you, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
5/8/2016 01:41:40 pm

Thank you, Maria for such an interesting and inspirational read! There are so many positive benefits to holistic practice, and you have shown it to us many, many times. Loved the videos, too.
Take care, sweet friend!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
5/10/2016 09:34:30 pm

Dear Sannel,
Thanks for your remarks and supportive friendship - always great to see you here.
Hoping you are having a lovely week.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
5/9/2016 12:45:38 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

You know what a fan of I am of good nurses, and especially nurses that have resources to help their patients, other than a synthetic fix.

I appreciate your big love for holistic medicine and thank you so much for your diligence in educating through your writing as to why it works, why its important and how to incorporate it.

Applause, applause!

Reply
Maria link
5/10/2016 09:36:25 pm

With you, I know I'm 'preaching to the choir' about Holistic medicine, dear femme...

...the applause is deafening and much appreciated... :))

Reply
crazyhorseladycx
5/10/2016 03:15:37 pm

howdy, ms. mar!

what a great piece 'n what a blessin' to've ya helpin' to guide those students to the "true meanin'"

loved both video's 'n e'en shared this with what few folks i know. yer such'n inspiration! if'n e'en jest 1 outta 30 folks adopted yer attitude, compassion 'n gentle heart - jest think'f the possibilities world-wide?

big hugs 'n love!!

Reply
Maria link
5/10/2016 09:39:22 pm

I agree that a little compassion and heart goes a long way, dear Lady.

Thanks for your visit, support and sharing.

Love and hugs to you too, mar

Reply
Shauna link
6/9/2016 10:45:21 am

Mar, you chose a very powerful song and video to top off your message. Being a nurse taking the holistic approach puts you in the front lines of helping society to become the best we can be on every level.

Wonderful post, my friend!

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

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    mar  



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    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
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