Introduction
In the world history of nursing practice, a few professionals have developed a wide range of concepts in the aspect of nursing care. Thus, almost any nurse knows about Dorothy Orem and her famous concept of “self-care.” Universal needs for self-care are associated with the premise that an individual needs to carry out certain body functions for a normal life process. The need for self-care is defined as generalized ideas about an individual’s tasks in connection with self-care. This definition, which is unclear and incomprehensible at first glance, is clarified in the case of a deep study of the literature devoted to describing the concept. This paper focuses on analyzing and explaining the concept of “self-care.”
A Concept
The concept of “self-care” is often found in the context of nursing and nursing theory, medicine, psychology, lifestyle, and even business. It is no secret that the concept of “self-care” is most closely connected with the name of Dorothea Orem. To date, the concept remains inaccurate due to the complexity of integrating various definitions (Martínez et al., 2021). It is simultaneously a theory, a process, a model, a phenomenon, a movement, and a framework (Chipu & Downing, 2020). According to Orem, “self-care” means learned and intentionally performed actions to regulate development and functioning (Martínez et al., 2021). In a general sense, “self-care” is the practice of maintaining one’s life, health, and well-being (Chipu & Downing, 2020). It is a dynamic process reflecting the relationship between people and the environment (Martínez et al., 2021). A person’s actions are voluntary and conscious, represent a certain stereotype, and are performed in a specific sequence. In addition, these actions are purposeful since they are based on the desire to satisfy the “need for self-care.” Everyone can become a self-care agent by practicing these steps, as well as nurses can help patients achieve their self-care goals.
Why the Student Values the Concept
I value the “self-care” concept so much since its application in practice gives me many positive results and high achievements. Proper self-care helps me minimize stress at work and restores the ability to show empathy and compassion as qualities necessary for quality patient care (Purdue University Global, 2019). Furthermore, I believe that the concept is the fundamental basis of nursing practice, the operation of which can change the situation’s picture for the better at the micro and macro levels.
In addition, based on the concept of “self-care,” it becomes evident that without self-help, it is impossible to provide good assistance, care, and support to others. Therefore, it is difficult or even impossible for a healthcare professional to do without this concept. The ability to care for oneself develops when one worries about others. Empathy makes people comprehend their own “I,” influencing their ethical choices and causing a desire to participate in socially significant moral actions. In the self-care concept, the “I” boundaries are not the subject of protection but the subject of overcoming. A person steps over their selfishness; in fact, one is talking about the development of humanity, the advancement of the individual “along the path of humanization.”
The Reason Why It Is Significant
The possibility of self-development, self-improvement, and self-realization in the context of nursing practice is the main reason I need to use the concept. As mentioned earlier, “self-care” supports my health and well-being and allows me to perform my work efficiently when interacting with patients. Self-service methods are essential, especially during critical situations like COVID-19 (Purdue University Global, 2019). Due to the knowledge and ideas about the self-care concept, it is possible to avoid unpleasant mental and physical health consequences. Moreover, according to the expert, taking care of oneself is a duty that can be found in the Code of Ethics, and if a nurse does not take care of themselves, then they cannot take care of others (Purdue University Global, 2019). Every nurse should be aware of the self-care concept, as it brings many benefits.
Why It Becomes an Important Part of My Belief System
This concept has become an essential part of my belief system based on its effectiveness and efficiency in work. While caring for patients, I often pushed my self-care into the background earlier or completely forgot about it. However, I understand that paying attention to my basic needs is necessary. Taking care of oneself is the cornerstone of success and well-being; it is vital because this activity improves emotional self-regulation, reduces stress, increases energy, strengthens physical health, and activates mental activity. I am convinced that taking care of oneself is a springboard for various achievements, which is the secret of success in life.
Applying the Belief System
Indeed, I applied my belief system based on the concept of self-care in the framework of nursing practice. This initiative was aimed at supporting and strengthening my health. For example, in the case of stressful situations, I applied a set of measures to maintain calm and patience. In particular, the belief system indirectly concerned patients by teaching them basic methods of caring for their bodies. Accordingly, using this concept in interaction with patients is necessary for preventing and treating diseases not only with the help of a specialist but also in patients’ efforts to accelerate the recovery process and maintain good health.
The 4 Metaparadigms of Nursing
Answering questions about how much I appreciate the concept of self-care, belief, and values systems and how important I consider them in nursing practice and my work, I mentally turned to the four meta paradigms of nursing. Firstly, “self-help” focuses on a person’s basic needs, interests, and desires in good health. Secondly, the concept implies taking care of physical and mental health, which is necessary for good work and high-quality performance of duties. Thirdly, by correctly and accurately implementing the concept in practice, I directly influence the environment around me, creating a favorable atmosphere for myself, my colleagues, and my patients. These observations should be synthesized into a unified theory, which I would call the “concept about self-care and help to patients.”
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, it is necessary to emphasize that the concept of self-care is one of the most important and significant in the framework of nursing practice. It involves performing actions aimed at maintaining one’s health in the norm. Due to the application of this concept, I can do my job efficiently, minimizing negative emotions and stress and showing care and compassion to people who need my help. In my opinion, every healthcare professional needs to know about this concept in order to take care of themselves and their physical and emotional state. If a nurse cannot take care of themselves, then it will be difficult for them to take care of others.
References
Chipu, M., & Downing, C. (2020). Professional nurses’ facilitation of self-care in intensive care units: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 7(4), 446-452. Web.
Martínez, N., Connelly, C. D., Pérez, A., & Calero, P. (2021). Self-care: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 8(4), 418-425. Web.
Purdue University Global. (2019). The importance of self-care for nurses and how to put a plan in place. Purdue University Global. Web.