Anisa Jimale

St. Catherine University School of Nursing

2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

BSN CFA Program

August 28 2023

Introduction

My name is Anisa Jimale, and I am a graduate from the College for Adults nursing program. In this e-portfolio, I will share my purpose, philosophy, creative synthesis, and the ongoing process of understanding and applying holistic nursing care. I plan to utilize the knowledge and skills I gained at St. Catherine University to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and ethical care to the patients I care for. My background includes two years of experience as a nursing assistant and one year as a paraprofessional in a public school setting. With two years of experience as a nursing assistant at a Children's hospital and one year as a paraprofessional in a public school, I have developed a strong foundation in caregiving and communication. These experiences have played a significant role in shaping the kind of nurse I aspire to be.

Purpose

My key purpose as a nurse is to create a safe and healing environment for those I care for. Whether working at the bedside or in a global health setting, I strive to respond to human suffering with empathy, cultural humility, and professionalism. The lack of resources and government funding in my home country, and similar challenges faced in underserved areas of my local community make it essential to prioritize public health initiatives and health promotion efforts. Through collaboration with community health programs and humanitarian organizations I aim to help meet basic health needs, aide in disease prevention, and empower others through education and advocacy. As a nurse, I hope to be a voice for the vulnerable and a source of comfort and dignity in times of crisis.

Unitary Human Caring Science

I see Unitary Human Caring Science as a mindset that enables me to comprehend the human condition and the essence of the people around me. My thoughts are focused on: How can I assist this person in utilizing their full potential? What can I do to support them in this time of healing? "Any individual or community choosing to embrace these practices will find themselves moving through a process that opens head, heart, and spirit to the possibility and potential of expanding horizons. Those horizons include better health, greater understanding of self and others, and a better connection with the natural world" (Watson’s Ten Caritas Processes™ through a unitary lens) (Perkins, 2020). I am pleased with the many ways I have come to understand and apply Unitary Caring Science throughout my clinical experiences whether with adult, pediatric, or geriatric populations. I brought not only clinical care but also healing and love, embodying the heart-centered approach that Watson’s theory encourages. "Racial illiteracy affects intentionality and accountability in relationships as it skews understanding and meaning toward “good intentions,” resulting in harm no matter how heart-conscious and humble the nurse" (Freborg & Chalmers, 2024). All nurses must carry with them the understanding that recognizing and respecting a patient's cultural and spiritual beliefs is essential to providing truly holistic and integrative care.

Philosophy of Holistic Nursing

Healing is not just about clinical outcomes but also about how patients feel seen, heard, and respected throughout their care. Embracing a holistic nursing mindset has deepened my understanding of this truth. It has helped me become more receptive to the lived experiences of patients and intentional in listening to their stories with empathy and without judgment. This approach allows me to foster meaningful connections, create safe spaces for healing, and support the whole person physically, emotionally, and spiritually (ANA, 2019). There are global crises and injustices occurring around us every day, and it is our shared responsibility to raise awareness and take meaningful action. I have the power and the obligation to be an active, engaged member of my community. Confronting social injustices, both locally and globally, requires courage and commitment. Silence is not a neutral stance but a barrier to healing.