NUR4114 Metaphysical Nursing

Reflective Writing Assignment on Holistic Ethics

Noticing:

What components of holistic ethics were new to you?

-The component of quality of life was new to me in relation to holistic ethics. Quality of life is defined
differently by individuals. The idea of doing good and how healthcare can sometimes add to or reduce a
persons quality of life. This can lead to moral uncertainty. Also the steps to ethical decision making
were a new concept to me.

What is your initial reaction to reading the scenario, A Village of 100?

-It was a little shocking to read a scaled down realistic view of the world. The magnitude of the
disparities is highlighted in the scenario. The hardest numbers were the 50% who would suffer
malnutrition and that only six people would control 50% of the wealth.

Interpreting:

Describe what holistic ethics means to you as a nurse.

-As a nurse you should offer non-judgmental and culturally supportive care. Nurses should model
healthy behaviors to the patients and coworkers. Nurses should maintain and continue their education
so they can be competent in their care. This will ensure safety and efficacy in the actions. They should be
advocates and promote a safe healing environment for their patients.

Identify and discuss 2 aspects of the Village of 100 that do not support holistic ethics.

-Only having six people control 50% of the villages wealth does not support holistic ethics. This does not
support unity or wholeness of all people. Health is interrelated to finances in all parts of the world. The
idea that 50% are also malnourished could be because of the unequal financial distribution. This does
not support the idea that the earth is a community. A community should support and value the whole
community not only six individuals.

Responding:

Did your understanding of holistic care change after the class work on holistic ethics? Explain.
-Yes. Through the exercises I was able to understand the nurses role in holistic ethics. The examples
provided real world scenarios where nurses or providers could have practiced holistic ethics.
How would you as a nurse apply holistic ethics to the Village of 100?

Reflection on Holistic Ethics 11/1/16

-I would petition the six main financial holders to consider the plight of the malnourished villagers. I
would care for the one near death and the one just being born. I would promote education and respect
for the earth. Without out that respect the entire village wouldnt survive no matter the amount of
money. The earth provides food and shelter; the village is interconnected to it and depends on it.

Reflection:

Give an example from your nursing experience where you saw a nurse practice holistic ethics.
-I was shadowing a nurse navigator. The nurse petitioned the pharmaceutical company to provide
necessary medication to a patient for free. The patient recently lost his job and needed the medication
but could no longer afford it without insurance.
Do you feel more equipped now to include the concept of holistic ethics in your practice? Explain your
answer.

-I feel more equipped to include holistic ethics in my practice. I now understand how the code of ethics
relates to nursing. I understand that it isnt just the nursing practice but it is also about how you model
the ethics and create a supportive environment for your patient, coworkers, and yourself. I also
understand the steps to ethical decision making.

Reflection on Holistic Ethics 11/1/16