Hands-on: the persistent metaphor in nursing.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Holistic Care
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• The historical "hands-on" metaphor in nursing signifies internal conflict and the centrality of patient care.
• Nurses often grapple with balancing holistic patient care with broader societal values.
• A shift is observed from holistic client care to a holistic use of self as a healer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the deeper meaning of the "hands-on" metaphor in nursing.
• To examine the integration of holistic care and self-healing in nursing practice.
• To understand the unification of cognitive, emotional, and tactile approaches in healing.

Main Methods:

• Metaphor analysis of nursing literature.
• Exploration of the concept of "holistic use of self" in healing.
• Case study examples of healers utilizing touch therapies.

Main Results:

• The "hands-on" metaphor connects to the fundamental intent to heal.
• Nurses are increasingly adopting a holistic approach to their own being as healers.
• Touch therapies exemplify the integration of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains in healing.

Conclusions:

• The "hands-on" approach in nursing is deeply rooted in the intent to heal.
• A unified approach integrating "head, heart, and hands" is central to effective healing.
• The holistic use of self as a healer represents an evolution in nursing practice.