NURSING: AN

ART AND A
SCIENCE
Nursing is a caring profession. As a unique profession, it is
practiced with an earnest concern for the art of care and the
science of health. The profession involves a humanistic blend of
scientific knowledge, and holistic nursing practice.
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• A humanistic science dedicated to compassionate concern with maintaining and promoting health and
preventing illness and caring for and rehabilitating the sick and disabled (Rogers).
• A theoretical system of knowledge that prescribes a process of analysis and action related to the care of
the ill person (Roy).
• A helping or assisting service to persons who are wholly or partly dependent - infants, children and adults -
when they, their parents and guardians, or other adults responsible for their care are no longer able to give
or supervise their care (Orem).
• A helping profession that assists individuals and groups in society to attain, maintain and restore health.
If this is not possible, nurses help Individuals die with dignity (King).
• A unique profession in that it is concerned with all of the variables affecting an individual's response to
stressors, which are intra-, Inter, and extra personal in nature (Neuman).
• An external regulatory force that acts to preserve the organization and Integration of the client's behavior
at an optimal level under those conditions in which the behavior constitute a threat to physical or social
health or in which illness is found (Johnson).
•A profession is
CONCEPTS OF PROFESSION
an organization of an occupational group based on the application of special
knowledge which establishes its own rules and standards for the protection of the public and the
professionals.com
•A profession implies that the quality of work done by its members is of greater importance in
its own eyes and the society than the economic rewards they earn.
• A profession serves all of society and not the specific interest of a group.
•The aims of a profession are altruistic rather than materialistic.
Nursing is a profession. A profession possesses the following primary
characteristics:
1. Education. A profession requires an extended education of its members, as
well as basic liberal foundation.
2. Theory. A profession has a theoretical body of knowledge leading to defined
skills, abilities and norms.
3. Service. A profession provides basic service.
4. Autonomy. Members of a profession have autonomy in decision making and in
practice.
5. Code of Ethics. The profession as a whole has a code of ethics for
practice. A profession has sufficient self-impelling power to retain its
members throughout life. It must not be a mere steppingstone to other
occupations.
6. Caring. The most unique characteristic of nursing as a profession is that,
it is a CARING profession.
(TABLE)
•Professional Nursing is an art and a science, dominated by an ideal of service in which certain principles are applied in the skillful care
of the well and the ill, and through relationship with the client/patient, significant
others, and other members of the health team.

•A professional nurse is one who has acquired the art and science of nursing through her basic education, who
interprets her role in nursing in terms of the social ends for which it exists the health and welfare of society
and who continues to add to her knowledge , skills and attitudes through continuing education and scientific
inquiry (research the use of the results of such inquiry.)
 THE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES OF A
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
1. Has faith in the fundamental values that underlie the democratic way of life
• Respect for human dignity.
•Self-sacrifice for the common good.
•Strong sense of responsibility for sharing in the solution of the problems of the society.

2. Has a sense of responsibility for understanding those with whom he/she works or associates with through the use of the
following skills:
• Utilizing relevant basic concepts of psychology.
• Working effectively through therapeutic relationship..
 THE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES OF A
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
3. Has faith in the reality of spiritual and aesthetic values and awareness of the value and the pleasure of self-development
through the pursuit of some aesthetic interests.

4. Has the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to address present-day social problems, realistic, incisive and well
organized thoughts through the use of critical thinking. Critical thinking is securing appraising and organizing evidence.

5. Has skill in using written and spoken language, both to develop own thoughts and to communicate them to others.

6. Appreciates and understands the importance of good healths

 THE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES OF A
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
7. Has emotional balance. Is able to maintain poise and composure in trying situations.

8. Likes hard work and possesses a capacity for it.

9. Appreciates high standards of workmanship.

10. Accepts and tries to understand people of all sorts, regardless of race, religion and color.

11. Knows nursing so thoroughly that every client will receive excellent care.
A. Philosophy of life

•It is concerned with those basic truths that contribute to personal growth in a systematic fashion and with those
principles that relate to the moral values that shape the facets of
the character.
•Every person must develop a personal philosophy of life and plan for expanding his personal
life.
• Theories of nursing can be taught, but not a philosophy of life or a philosophy of service.
B. Good Personality
• Personality consists of the distinctive individual qualities that differentiate one person from
another.
• It refers to the impression one makes on others which will include more than that which meets
the eye.
• It consists of deeper traits which come from the heart and which infiltrate the real person if
one wishes to exert a magnetic influence on others.
• It is a result of integrating one's abilities, desires, impulses, habits, and physical character
into a harmonious whole.
1. Care Provider. The nurse supports the client by attitudes and actions that show concern
for client welfare and acceptance of the client as a person. The nurse is primarily
concerned with the client's needs.
2. Communicator/Helper. The nurse communicates with clients, support persons and colleagues
to facilitate all nursing actions.
3. Teacher. The nurse provides health teaching to effect behavior change which focuses on
acquiring new knowledge or technical skills. This role gives emphasis on health promotion
and health maintenance.
4. Counselor. The nurse helps the client to recognize and cope with stressful psycho logic or
social problems, to develop improved personal relationships and to promote personal growth.
5. Client Advocate. The nurse promotes what is best for the client, ensures that the
client's needs are met, and protects the client's rights.
6. Change Agent. The nurse initiates changes and assists the client make modifications in
the lifestyle to promote health.
7. Leader. The nurse through the process of interpersonal influence helps the client make
decisions in establishing and achieving goals to improve his well being.
8. Manager. The nurse plans, gives directions, develops staff, monitor operations, gives
rewards fairly, and represents both staff members ang administration as needed.
9. Researcher. The nurse participates in scientific investigation and uses research findings
in practice.
10. Case Manager. The nurse coordinates the activities of other members of the health care
team, such as nutritionists and physical therapists, when managing a group of client's care.
11. Collaborator. The nurse works in a combined effort with all those involved in care
delivery, for a mutually acceptable plan to be obtained that will achieve common goals. The

nurse initiates nursing actions within the health team.

1. Institutional Nursing (Hospital Staff Nursing)
The nurse provides direct client care, using the nursing process and critical thinking skills. The
focus is restorative and curative. The nurse provides education to the client and family to
promote health maintenance and self - care. In collaboration with other health care team
members, the nurse focuses on returning the client to his or her home and usual state of health.
>Community Health Nursing is a nursing approach that merges knowledge from the public health
sciences with professional nursing theories to safeguard and improve the health of populations in
the community. The focus of such nursing care is somewhat broader than that of the public health,
with an emphasis on health of a community. The community health nurse is prepared to provide
direct care services to subpopulations within the community, e.g., follow - up of older adults
recovering from stroke and need community rehabilitation services giving immunizations to clients
to manage communicable diseases within the community.
Community Health Nursing / Public Health Nursing may include School Nursing and Industrial Nursing.

3. Independent Nursing Practice

It involves advanced nursing practice, and requires a Master 's degree in Nursing, advanced
education in pharmacology and physical assessment, and certification and expertise in a
specialized area of practice. It allows the nurse to work in primary, acute, or restorative care
settings.
A. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Has advanced education (at least a Master 's degree in Nursing) and is a graduate of nurse
practitioner program.

Nurse practitioners function with more independence and autonomy than other nurses. They are
highly skilled in performing nursing assessments, physical examinations, counseling, teaching and
treating minor health problems. NPs have a specialty, eg, obstetrics, pediatrics, or family care.
B. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Has a Master's degree in Nursing and may have advanced experience and expertise
in a specialized area of practice (e.g.. Gerontology, Pediatrics, Critical Care,
Oncology, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular Disease, or Pulmonary Disease). Clinical
nurse specialists work in various settings, depending on their specialty.
c. Nurse Midwife
Is educated in nursing and midwifery and is licensed to provide independent
care for women during normal pregnancy, labor and delivery. Nurse midwives
practice in conjunction with specific healthcare agencies from which medical
services are available should a client develops complications.
D. Nurse Anesthetist
Provides general anesthesia for clients undergoing surgery under the supervision of
a physician prepared in anesthesiology. Nurse anesthetists are RNs with advanced
education in anesthesiology.
E. Nurse Researcher
Is responsible for the continued development and refinement of nursing knowledge
and practice through the investigation of nursing problems. Nurse researchers have
advanced education, usually at the doctorate level.
F. Nurse Administrator
Manages and controls client care. Nurse responsible for specific nursing units
and serve as liaisons staff members and directors of nursing. Educational nurse
administrators requires advanced education.
G. Nurse Educator. Role can be developed in many settings including schools of nursing and hospital
staff development departmens. Advanced education in nursing
is required (at least Master's degree). Teaching at the Master's degree or
Doctorate degree in nursing requires Doctorate degree.
HISTORY OF NURSING IN PHILIPPINES
 HISTORY OF NURSING IN PHILIPPINES

•Early Care of the Sick

The early Filipinos subscribed to superstitious beliefs and practices in relation to health
and sickness. Herbmen were called "Herbicheros," meaning one who practiced witchcraft.
Persons suffering from diseases without any Identified cause were believed to be bewitched
by the "mangkuku lam" or "mangagaway". Difficult childbirth and some diseases (called "pamao")
were attributed to "nonos". Midwife assisted in childbirth. During labor, the "mabuting hilot"
(good midwife) was called in.
 HISTORY OF NURSING IN PHILIPPINES

•Health Care During the Spanish Regime

The religious orders exerted their efforts to care for the sick by building hospitals in the
different parts of the Philippines.

The Earliest Hospitals Established were the following:

1. Hospital Real de Manila (1577). It was established mainly to care for the Spanish King's
soldiers, but also admitted Spanish civilians; founded by Gov. Francisco de Sande.
 HISTORY OF NURSING IN PHILIPPINES

2. San Lazaro Hospital (1578). Founded by Brother Juan Clemente and was administered for many
years by the Hospitalliers of San Juan de Dios; built exclusively for patients with leprosy.
3. Hospital de Indio (1586). Established by the Franciscan Order; service was in general
supported by alms and contributions from charitable persons.
4. Hospital de Aguas Santas (1590). Established in Laguna; near a medicinal spring, founded by
Brother J. Bautista of the Franciscan Order.
 HISTORY OF NURSING IN PHILIPPINES

5. San Juan de Dios Hospital (1596). Founded by the Brotherhood of Misericordia and
administered by the Hospitalliers of San Juan de Dios; support was derived from alms and rents;
rendered general health service to the public.
 PERIOD OF EDUCATED NURSING
This period began on June 15, 1860 when the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing opened at
St. Thomas Hospital in London (St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing). The development of
nursing during this period was strongly influenced by trends resulting from wars, from an
arousal of social consciousness, from the emancipation of women and from the increased

educational opportunities offered to women.

 PERIOD OF EDUCATED NURSING
Facts About Florence Nightingale
•Recognized as the "Mother of Modern Nursing"; she was also known as the "Lady with a Lamp".
•Born on May 12, 1820 in Florence Italy.
•Raised in England in an atmosphere of culture and affluence; learned languages, literature,
mathematics and social graces.
•Her education was rounded out by a continental tour.
 PERIOD OF EDUCATED NURSING
•Not contented with the social custom imposed upon her as a Victorian Lady, she developed her
self -appointed goal: "To change the profile of nursing".
• Compiled notes of her visits to hospitals, her observation of the sanitary facilities, and
social problems of the places she visited.
•Noted the need for preventive medicine and good nursing.
•Advocated for care of those afflicted with diseases caused by lack of hygienic practices.
 PERIOD OF EDUCATED NURSING
• At the age of 21. she overcame her family's resistance to her She entered the Deaconess
School at Kaiser
•Work as a superintendent for Gentlewomen during Illness.
•Disapproved of the restrictions on admission of chis unchristian and incompatible with health
care .

•Upgraded the practice of nursing and made nursing an honorable profession for gentle woman.
•Led the nurses that took care of the wounded during the Crimean War.
•Put down her ideas in two published books: Notes on Nursing and Note on Hospitals.
Caring means that persons, events, projects, and things matter to people. It is a word
of being connected. It also reveals what is stressful and the available options for
coping. "Caring creates possibility." As an inherent feature of nursing practice, caring
enables nurses help clients to recover in the face of illness, to give meaning to that
illness and to maintain or reestablish connection (Benner).
Caring is the essence and central unifying, and dominant domain that distinguishes
nursing from the other health disciplines. Care is an essential human need, necessary
for the health and survival of all individuals. Acts of caring refer to the direct and
indirect nurturant and skillful activities, processes, and decisions that assist people in
ways that are emphatic, compassionate, and supportive; and that are dependent on the
needs, problems and values of the individual being assisted (Leininger).
Caring is a universal phenomenon influencing the ways in which people think, feel and behave in
relation to ane another. Since Florence Nightingale, nurses
have studied caring from a variety of philosophical and ethical perspectives. A
number of nursing scholars have developed theartes on caring because of its
importance to nursing practice.
A. Caring in Pranary Benner and Wrulbel, 1909)
Note" caring creates possibility personal concem for another person, an everit,
a thing ng provides motivation and direction for people to care. Through caring.
nurse's help patients recover in the face of illness give meaning to their
Illness, and maintain or reestablished connection.
B. Leininger's Transcultural Caring
From a transcultural perspective, madeleine leininger(1991) describes the concept
of care an the essence and central, unifying and the dominant domain that
distinguishes murses from other health disciplines. Care is an essential human
need, necessary for the health and survival of all individuals.
C. Watson's Tranpersonal Caring
Caring is a central focus of nursing and it is integral to maintain the ethical and
philosophical roots of the Professton (Watson 2008: Lusk and Falter, 2013), Watson's
theory of caring is holistic model for nursing that wiggests that a conscious Intention
to care promoted healing and wholeness (Watson, 2000, 2010.) it Integrates the human
caring processes with healing environments, Incorporating the life generating and life
receiving process of human caring and healing for nurses and thee patients.
D. Swanson's Theory of Caring
Swansons (1991) defines caring as a nurturing way of relating to an individual (1.e..
when one feelt a personal sense of commitment and responsibheirty). It supports the claim
that caring is a central phenomenon but not necessarily unique to nursing practice.
1. CARE - Care is our core business and that of our organizations. And the care we
dettver helps the individual person and emproves the health of the whole community. Caring
defines us and our work. People receiving care expect it to be right for them.
consistently. Throughout every stage of their life.

2. COMPASSSION - Compassion is how care is given through relationship based on empathy,

and dignity. It can also be described intelligent kindness, and is central to how people
perceive their care.
3. COMPETENCE - Means all those in caring roles must have the ability to understand an Individual's a health and social needs
and the experthe, clinical and technical knowledge to deliver effective care
and treatment based on research and evidence.
4. COMMUNICATIONS - Communication is central to successful cating caring relationships and to
effective team working, listening is as important as what we say and to do and essential for "so
dechion about me without me". Communication is the key to a good work place with benefits for
those in our care and staff alike
5. COURAGE - Courage enables us to do the right thing for the people we care for, to speak up when we have concerns and to
have the personal strength and vision to Innovate and to embrace new ways
of working

6. COMMITMENT - A commitment to our patients and population is a corner stone of what we do We

need to build on o our commitment to improve the care and expertence of our patients. To for all and
meet the health care and upport challenges ahead.