Metaparadigm Concepts

 For nursing, the metaparadigm ideas define the themes and focus of the field. They help to define the scope and practice of nursing. The four dominant metaparadigm principles are:

1. Person

This describes the individual receiving care but it also refers to families, communities, and populations. It adopts a whole person approach that takes into account physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural needs of patients, and also involves patient-focused care and the individual as an active contributor to the health process.

2. Environment

This includes everything that comes in contact with and from the body, affecting the health and wellbeing of an individual. It encompasses the external environment (hospital, home), social variables (economic, interpersonal), and cultural influences.

3. Health

Health represents the overall state of the individual and may be anywhere from a complete lack of illness to full wellbeing. It is a state that’s constantly changing, based on the physical, psychological and social conditions, aimed at improving health, disease prevention and chronic disease management.

4. Nursing

Nursing refers to the actions, care, and advocacy nurses do to keep people healthy and well. It is comprised of both the arts and sciences of nursing, a blend of research and humane treatment.

 My BAVs are interwoven with the nursing metaparadigm and my conceptions of what it means to be a nurse.

Person: The "person" is the concept of the individual as a person who is a distinct individual with their own experience, needs, and dignity. My sense of empathy will lead me to approach patients from a patient’s perspective, treating them as individuals, and making them feel safe. Patient-centred care relies heavily on empathy and the studies show that it has an impact on patient satisfaction and outcomes (Sinclair et al, 2017). I believe in building empathy and thus ensuring care that goes beyond a physical, to the emotional and psychosocial.

Nursing: By definition, nursing brings art and science together to provide moral and empathetic care. This ethic guides me as a nursing student, as it’s the way I will treat patients and colleagues, and to keep my professional and ethical tenets in mind. The Nurses’ Code of Ethics stresses transparency and responsibility as a basis for practice (College of Nurses of Ontario [CNO], 2023). Integrity is a way to ensure that my clinical choices are evidence-based and that I act ethically.

Environment: Environment means is providing a safe, supportive, healing environment for patients. My resilience values will help me stand firm in difficult circumstances and help create environments that foster them. Research indicates that resilient nurses are better able to cope with stress, emotional stability, and patient care quality (Thomas & Revell, 2016). Resilience allows me to better serve patients, colleagues, and myself in a way that fosters healing and growth.

Health: Health is a metaparadigm term that includes physical, mental and emotional health. My personal responsibility ensures that I will constantly do my part to make patients as healthy as possible. Accountability is an essential part of professional nursing practice as it fosters reflective practice and learning for better patient safety and care (CNO, 2023). It will be much easier to help patients achieve their health goals when I hold myself responsible for my own knowledge and behaviour. 

Person

I think every individual, family, community has its own needs and deserves to be respected and respected. As a nursing student, I am learning to treat patients in ways that are responsive to these differences. I believe in treating patients as partners in their own care, helping them to make their own choices.

In clinical settings, I will work to establish trusting relationships with patients and to care for them in ways that value their needs, values, and preferences.

Environment 

Environment

I understand that a person’s wellbeing is largely a function of the environment – their physical environment, social environment, and cultural environment. It takes a supportive, secure, inclusive space to heal.

When I am in practice, I will work to make the experience positive and therapeutic for my patients by advocating for their resources and fostering a culture of respect and care within the medical team.

Health

My vision of health is holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, social and spiritual health. Nurses are responsible for maintaining healthy populations, preventing illness, and caring for chronically ill patients.

When I begin to see patients, my clinical practice will start to look at them in their own context, not just on the physical side but also on the emotional and social aspects that affect their well-being.

Nursing

Nursing is both a science and an art. As a science, it applies evidence and research to practice. As an art, it requires compassion, empathy, and the capacity to connect with patients. 

During clinicals, I’ll be focusing on integrating evidence-based practice while cultivating the compassionate and therapeutic relationships nurses require. I’m looking forward to working with clinical mentors, colleagues, and patients to sharpen my skills. 

As a nursing student, I know it is vital that I possess my own philosophy of nursing because it helps me to set a direction in the uncertainty and tension of clinical work. My philosophy will help me to remain grounded in my values that I care most about, including empathy, respect, and patient-centred care. It will also empower me to take ethical decisions, stand up for my patients, and provide evidence-based care that is also humane. This simple philosophy will support my development as a nurse and keep me focused on always learning and improving. 

In some respects, my personal philosophy will have profound implications for my clinical practice and nursing career:

Patient-centered care: As long as I focus on the Person concept in my approach, I will strive to always treat patients based on their individual needs and preferences. I will attempt to develop individualized care plans that are respectful of patients’ values and facilitate their involvement in decision-making.

Holistic Approach: Recognizing that health is multifaceted, I will practice holistic nursing. When determining my patients needs and care plans, I will take into account their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

Collaboration and Teamwork: I understand how important it is to work together in nursing. I value collaboration and I will work closely with colleagues in the field to make sure patients are cared for optimally. I will also pursue opportunities to grow alongside other experts and make the team successful.

Advocacy and Empowerment: I’m going to stand up for my patients and provide them with the tools and resources they need to stay or become better. I will educate patients about their conditions, invite them to actively participate in their care, and encourage their decisions.

Finally, I am confident that my own philosophy will be very helpful when I get to clinical work. It will teach me to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care and help me develop as a nurse. This is something I will refine over time as my experiences grow, always making sure I’m providing the best care possible to my patients.