This document discusses the importance of self-awareness for nurses. It defines self-awareness as the process of understanding one's own values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and limitations. To be self-aware, nurses must gain recognition of their own perspectives and how those perspectives can impact their work. The document also outlines steps for values clarification and maintaining self-awareness through journaling, seeking feedback, and putting oneself in the patient's perspective. Regular self-reflection allows nurses to accept differences in patients while providing quality care.
This document discusses the importance of self-awareness for nurses. It defines self-awareness as the process of understanding one's own values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and limitations. To be self-aware, nurses must gain recognition of their own perspectives and how those perspectives can impact their work. The document also outlines steps for values clarification and maintaining self-awareness through journaling, seeking feedback, and putting oneself in the patient's perspective. Regular self-reflection allows nurses to accept differences in patients while providing quality care.
This document discusses the importance of self-awareness for nurses. It defines self-awareness as the process of understanding one's own values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and limitations. To be self-aware, nurses must gain recognition of their own perspectives and how those perspectives can impact their work. The document also outlines steps for values clarification and maintaining self-awareness through journaling, seeking feedback, and putting oneself in the patient's perspective. Regular self-reflection allows nurses to accept differences in patients while providing quality care.
This document discusses the importance of self-awareness for nurses. It defines self-awareness as the process of understanding one's own values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and limitations. To be self-aware, nurses must gain recognition of their own perspectives and how those perspectives can impact their work. The document also outlines steps for values clarification and maintaining self-awareness through journaling, seeking feedback, and putting oneself in the patient's perspective. Regular self-reflection allows nurses to accept differences in patients while providing quality care.
SELF-AWARENESS • Is the process by which the nurse gains recognition of his or her own feelings, beliefs, and attitudes ○ In nursing, being aware of one's feelings, thoughts, and values is a primary focus. Everyone, including nurses, have values, ideas, and beliefs that are different and unique than those of others • Nurses must learn to accept differences among people and view each client as a worthwhile person regardless of that client's opinions and lifestyle ○ The nurse does not need to condone the client's views and behavior; he/she merely needs to accept them as different as his/her own and not to let them interfere with the care of the patient • Is the process of developing an understanding of one's own values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, motivations, prejudices, strength, and limitations, and how the qualities affect others ○ It allows nurses to observe their intention to understand the subtle responses and reactions of the client when interacting with them
VALUES • Abstract standards that give a person a sense of right or wrong; it establishes a code of conduct for living • To gain insight into one's self and personal views/values, the Values Clarification Process is very helpful • Sample values include: hard work, honesty, cleanliness, sincerity, orderliness
3 Steps of Values Clarification Process
• Choosing ✓ It is when the person considers a range of possibilities and freely chooses the value that feels right New Section 4 Page 1 value that feels right • Prizing ✓ It is when the person considers the value, cherishes it, and publicly attach to it • Acting ✓ It is when the person puts a value into action
BELIEFS • Are ideas that one holds to be true • Other beliefs are irrational and may persist despite these beliefs having no supported evidence or the existence of contradictory empirical evidences ○ Ex.: People who believe in evolution have accepted the evidence that support these explanations for the origins of life
ATTITUDES • Are general feelings or a frame of reference around which a person organizes knowledge about the world ○ Ex. for Positive: (Grocery Shopping; Waiting in line) A person would be thankful for the extra minutes and would begin to use them to do breathing/relaxation exercises ○ Ex. for Negative: A person who has had an unpleasant experience with a rude waiter may develop a negative attitude towards all waiters
Points to Consider When Working on Self-Awareness
1. Keep a diary or journal that focuses on experiences and related feelings a. Work on identifying feelings and the circumstances from which they arise, then review the diary/journal periodically to look for patterns or some changes 2. Talk with someone you trust about your experiences and feelings a. No man is an island; you need someone (fam. member, friend, co-worker, clinical instructor, etc.) who is willing to listen b. Discuss how he/she might feel in certain situations, ask how he/she deals with uncomfortable situations/feelings (gives you hints on how to deal with your pt) 3. Engage in formal clinical supervision a. Even experiences clinicians are under supervision with whom they discuss personal feelings with and challenging client situations to gain insight and new approaches b. Experience is the best teacher 4. Seek alternative points of view a. Always put yourself in the client's situation; think about the client's feelings, thoughts, and actions 5. Do not be critical of yourself (or others) for having certain values or beliefs a. Accept this part of yourself or work to change the values or beliefs you wish New Section 4 Page 2 a. Accept this part of yourself or work to change the values or beliefs you wish to be different
*Nurses should reevaluate and readjust beliefs and attitudes periodically as he or
she gains experience and wisdom *Ongoing self-awareness allows the nurse to accept values, attitudes, and beliefs of others that may differ from his or her own
Total Knowledge, Skills, Creative Abilities, Talents and Aptitude - Values, Attitudes and Beliefs of Individual. - Emphasize: - Command, Control, Greater Freedom and Support To Employee
