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The case observed with respect to this model consists of providing hospice care for a dying AIDS patient. The patient, "Charles," is in the final stages of AIDS; he is debilitated, suffering pneumonia and Karposi's sarcoma. A return to any state resembling health and wellbeing is not possible, give the terminal nature of the presenting problems. Orem (1971) notes that the holistic approach to care views the "presenting problem" are only one aspect of the whole person. The role of the nurse in this setting, and within Nightingale's metaparadigm, consisted of the following processes and actions: . Maintenance of pain reduction through administration of medications. . Assisting patient and significant others in coping. . Working with patient to reduce tensions related to unfinished business. . Serving as liaison between the patient and others. . Making sure the patient's rights and wishes are respected. . Creating an environment in which the patient can accept death with dignity and privacy. . Helping the patient with access to religious or other non-medical services. . Carrying out all aspects of patient care with professionalism, compassion, and skill. The nursing practices and processes above relate to my own personal philosophy |
