Newman pointed out that, “nurse client relationships often begin during periods of disruption, uncertainty, and unpredictability in patient’s lives” (Smith & Parker, 2015, p. 288). Explore what she means by this statement. Then, reflect on a patient that you cared for that you could apply her theory to. Provide details of the interaction and outcomes. Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
In her statement, Newman highlights the fact that nurse-client relationships frequently originate during challenging periods of disruption, uncertainty, and unpredictability in patients’ lives. To fully understand the meaning behind this statement, it is essential to delve into the concepts and principles presented by Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness, as well as the factors that contribute to the development of nurse-client relationships. Moreover, an exploration of a personal experience as a caregiver can be used to exemplify and elaborate on Newman’s theory.
Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness posits that health is a dynamic process of expanding a person’s consciousness, which is the capacity to engage in new patterns of perception, thinking, and understanding (Smith & Parker, 2015). According to this theory, individuals are interconnected with their environment, and health occurs when individuals engage in continuous learning and growth, achieving higher levels of consciousness. The theory emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment that promotes growth and facilitates health expansion rather than solely focusing on the treatment of illness or the absence of disease.
Disruption, uncertainty, and unpredictability are inherent to situations where individuals experience a considerable change in their life circumstances, such as the onset of a new illness, an injury, or facing a critical health issue. These circumstances affect individuals psychologically, emotionally, and physically, challenging their previous frameworks of understanding and necessitating the need for new patterns of perception and cognition. It is during these periods of upheaval that nurse-client relationships often emerge, as patients seek support and guidance to navigate through their changed circumstances and expand their consciousness to accommodate their altered reality.
To illustrate the applicability of Newman’s theory, I would like to reflect on a patient I cared for who exemplified the concepts of disruption, uncertainty, and unpredictability. Mr. X was a middle-aged man who was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. Upon initial diagnosis, Mr. X was overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about his prognosis and the implications of his diagnosis on his life. As his primary nurse, I had the opportunity to provide care and support throughout his treatment journey.
During our initial interactions, it was evident that Mr. X’s illness had significantly disrupted his life, causing him to re-evaluate his priorities, relationships, and future plans. He underwent various treatment modalities, experiencing physical discomfort, emotional distress, and uncertainty about the effectiveness of his treatment. In line with Newman’s theory, recognizing the disruption and uncertainty present in Mr. X’s life allowed me to approach our nurse-client relationship with empathy and understanding. I acknowledged his emotions, listened actively to his concerns, and provided reassurance and education to foster his understanding and engagement in his care.
Throughout our interactions, I applied the principles of Newman’s theory to support Mr. X’s health expansion. I emphasized the importance of self-care, wellness promotion, and the opportunity for personal growth and development, even in the face of illness and uncertainty. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I encouraged Mr. X to explore his thoughts, emotions, and beliefs surrounding his illness. This enabled him to expand his consciousness, develop new coping strategies, and engage in shared decision-making regarding his treatment plan and future goals.
The outcomes of our nurse-client relationship were positive, as Mr. X demonstrated increased acceptance of his illness, resilience, and personal growth. He actively participated in his care and treatment decisions, advocating for his needs while maintaining a realistic outlook. Together, we developed strategies to manage his symptoms, cope with emotional distress, and improve his overall quality of life. Despite the challenging circumstances, our relationship created a space for Mr. X to expand his consciousness, develop new perspectives, and maintain a sense of control over his life.
In conclusion, Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness provides valuable insights into the nature of nurse-client relationships, particularly their genesis during times of disruption, uncertainty, and unpredictability in patients’ lives. By creating supportive and growth-promoting environments, nurses can facilitate the expansion of patients’ consciousness, helping them navigate through challenging circumstances and achieve enhanced health and well-being. The example of Mr. X’s experience illustrates the application and impact of Newman’s theory, highlighting the potential for positive outcomes in nurse-client relationships that embrace and address the complexities of patients’ lives.