Critical Nursing and Attitudes in Nursing

Critical Nursing

• Critical nursing is a philosophy and approach to nursing practice that emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, reflection, and analysis.
• It involves nurses constantly questioning assumptions, challenging existing practices, and seeking evidence-based solutions to patient care.
• It requires nurses to be aware of their own biases and values, and to consider the perspectives of patients and their families.

Attitudes in Nursing

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of patients, showing compassion, and putting oneself in their shoes.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct, adhering to ethical codes, and demonstrating respect for patients and colleagues.
• Integrity: Being honest, trustworthy, and ethical in all interactions, upholding professional standards and values.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions, making sound judgments, and being answerable for outcomes.
• Open-mindedness: Willingness to learn, adapt to new information, and consider different perspectives, embracing continuous learning and improvement.

Nursing Practice

• The concept of nursing practice encompasses the multifaceted activities performed by nurses within the healthcare system to promote and maintain health, prevent illness, and assist individuals, families, and communities in coping with illness and injury.
• Examples include providing direct patient care, educating patients and families, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and participating in research.

Steps of the Nursing Process

• Assessment: Gathering and analyzing information about a patient's health status through observation, interviews, physical examinations, and reviewing medical records.
• Diagnosis: Identifying actual or potential health problems that a patient may be experiencing, based on the assessment data.
• Planning: Developing individualized care plans that include specific goals, interventions, and expected outcomes designed to address the patient's identified health problems.
• Implementation: Carrying out the planned interventions, such as administering medications, providing wound care, educating patients, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
• Evaluation: Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of interventions by assessing the patient's progress towards achieving the established goals and making necessary adjustments to the care plan.

History of Modern Nursing

• Florence Nightingale is widely recognized as the founder of modern nursing, her contributions during the Crimean War revolutionized healthcare practices.
• Clara Barton's establishment of the American Red Cross in 1881 further expanded the scope of nursing to encompass disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts.
• Lillian Wald pioneered public health nursing, establishing the Henry Street Settlement in New York City in 1893, focusing on community health and social justice issues.
• Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American professional nurse in the United States, breaking racial barriers and advocating for inclusivity in nursing.
• The development of nursing education programs, including nursing schools and universities, further advanced the nursing profession by establishing standardized training and education requirements.
• The emergence of specialized nursing roles such as critical care nurses, pediatric nurses, and psychiatric nurses broadened the scope of nursing practice and allowed for targeted expertise in specific areas of care.

This quiz explores the philosophy of critical nursing, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and reflection in practice. It also covers essential attitudes necessary for effective nursing, including empathy, professionalism, and accountability. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts and their impact on patient care.