Sailing beyond: nursing theory and the person

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory and Philosophy
• Critical Social Theory in Healthcare

Background:

• Nursing often conceptualizes the patient as a holistic and unique individual.
• This approach, however, faces critiques from postmodernist and feminist viewpoints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the implications of holism and uniqueness in nursing's conceptualization of the person.
• To highlight how these concepts may overlook critical social determinants and systemic issues.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of nursing theory concepts.
• Application of postmodernist and feminist perspectives.
• Examination of the "unitary self" and related constructs.

Main Results:

• Holism and uniqueness in nursing theory can lead to a "generic person" concept.
• This overlooks the intersectionality of race, class, and sex.
• Larger institutional and societal issues remain unaddressed by current theories.

Conclusions:

• Current nursing conceptualizations may inadvertently perpetuate social inequalities.
• There is a need for nursing theories that prioritize social justice.
• Future theories should aim to acknowledge and challenge systemic issues.