Discuss the concept of personhood as used in the nursing as caring theory.
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The Concept of Personhood in the Nursing as Caring Theory
In the field of nursing, the concept of personhood holds a central role, especially within the framework of the Nursing as Caring theory developed by Anne Boykin and Savina Schoenhofer. This theory emphasizes that all persons are caring by virtue of their humanness and that caring is the essential core of nursing. Within this framework, personhood is not simply a biological or psychological status, but a multidimensional identity that includes one’s spiritual, cultural, emotional, and relational existence. This holistic understanding of personhood demands that nurses engage with patients not merely as individuals in need of clinical care, but as whole beings whose lived experiences, values, and needs must be acknowledged and honored.
Personhood in the Nursing as Caring theory is grounded in the belief that every human being possesses inherent worth and dignity, regardless of age, health status, or functional ability (Boykin & Schoenhofer, 2018). This intrinsic value forms the basis for caring relationships, which are at the heart of nursing practice. Nurses are called to enter into genuine, mutual relationships with those they care for, seeking to understand the meaning of their experiences and affirm their humanity. In this model, the patient is not treated as a passive recipient of care but is instead regarded as a full participant in the caring process.
One of the foundational assumptions of this theory is that caring is a moral ideal in nursing, and personhood cannot be separated from the act of caring (Boykin & Schoenhofer, 2018). The recognition of personhood requires nurses to see beyond physical symptoms and engage with patients’ stories, values, and aspirations. It demands presence, empathy, and attentiveness, as well as the cultivation of environments where patients feel seen, heard, and respected.
This understanding of personhood has significant implications for nursing practice. It challenges the often mechanistic or task-oriented approaches to healthcare that can inadvertently depersonalize patients. Instead, it fosters a relational approach where care is individualized and grounded in mutual respect. According to Cara (2020), the acknowledgment of personhood within caring theory transforms the nurse-patient relationship into one of shared humanity, which not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the professional satisfaction of nurses.
Moreover, recognizing personhood in nursing aligns closely with the principles of cultural competence and trauma-informed care. By viewing each individual as a unique person shaped by their culture, history, and personal experiences, nurses can tailor care plans that are respectful and responsive to diverse needs. This person-centered care is essential in promoting health equity and reducing disparities in healthcare delivery (Watson et al., 2019).
Ultimately, the concept of personhood in the Nursing as Caring theory elevates nursing practice from a series of clinical interventions to a meaningful engagement with human life. It reminds nurses that every interaction is an opportunity to affirm the dignity and worth of the person before them. In doing so, it reinforces the moral and ethical foundations of nursing as a caring profession, one that places the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—at the center of care.
References
Boykin, A., & Schoenhofer, S. O. (2018). Nursing as caring: A model for transforming practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Cara, C. (2020). Enhancing person-centered care through caring theory. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(1), 18–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318419881824
Watson, J., Brewer, B. B., & Cara, C. (2019). Person-centered caring and healing relationships. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 37(1), 6–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010118799433
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