Full Answer Section

The Four Domains of the Nursing Metaparadigm

The nursing metaparadigm provides a global framework for understanding and analyzing the core concepts in nursing. Each domain offers a unique perspective on the phenomena of concern to the discipline.

• Person: This domain refers to the individual, family, or community that is the recipient of nursing care. It encompasses the unique attributes, characteristics, and experiences of the individual, including their physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
• Environment: The environment encompasses the internal and external surroundings that affect the person. This includes physical, social, cultural, economic, and political factors. It also includes the setting where nursing care is provided.
• Health: Health is a dynamic state of well-being that is influenced by the person, environment, and nursing. It is not simply the absence of illness but a holistic concept that includes physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
• Nursing: Nursing is the actions, characteristics and attributes of the nurse providing care. It is the discipline and profession concerned with facilitating health and well-being in the person. It involves a range of activities, including promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, alleviating suffering, and providing care at the end of life.

My Personal Definitions and Philosophy of Nursing

Here, you will provide your own definitions of each of the four domains. For example:

• Person: “I define ‘person’ as a holistic being, encompassing not only their physical body but also their unique psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. Each person is…”
• Environment: “For me, ‘environment’ extends beyond the immediate physical surroundings to include… I believe a supportive environment is…”
• Health: “I view ‘health’ as a dynamic and subjective experience, a state of well-being that is…”
• Nursing: “My definition of ‘nursing’ is… I believe the role of the nurse is…”

Then, you’ll explain how these definitions shape your overall philosophy. For example:

“These definitions form the foundation of my nursing philosophy, which centers on a patient-centered approach. I believe that…”

Comparison of Nursing Philosophies

This section will compare and contrast the philosophies of Miami Dade College Benjamin Leon School of Nursing and a selected hospital.

• Miami Dade College Benjamin Leon School of Nursing: Analyze the school’s mission, vision, and values statements. Identify the core beliefs about person, health, environment, and nursing that are reflected in these statements.
• Selected Hospital: Choose a hospital (e.g., a local hospital where you have clinical experience). Examine its mission, vision, values, and any statements about its nursing philosophy or model of care (e.g., patient-centered care, team nursing).
• Comparison and Contrast: Identify similarities and differences in how the school and the hospital define and approach the four metaparadigm concepts. Consider the influence of the different settings (education vs. practice) on these philosophies.

Conclusion

In this final section, you will summarize the key points of the paper and reflect on what you have learned from the assignment. For example:

“This assignment has provided a valuable opportunity to articulate my personal nursing philosophy and to understand how the metaparadigm domains shape both nursing education and practice. I have learned that…”