NRS275 Assessment 2 – Case study essay – Value assumptions and transpersonal teaching
(The following case study is based on different parts of real case studies to protect privacy and provide an authentic clinical situation for learning).
You are a second year nursing student on placement in a retirement village. You have been asked to complete an assessment on Evelynn Brown as she developed a pressure ulcer on her left heel. Evelynn is an 83 year old retired school principal who resides in the Summoner’s Rift retirement village. The village comprises of independent living units through to units that provide full nursing care. Evelynn resides alone in one of the independent living units. Evelynn has early stages of Alzheimer’s but is well enough to function in her unit with twice daily visits by care staff.
In preparation for the assessment, you review Evelynn’s care plan. You read she was a great chess player. She won many competitive chess competitions over the years. Evelynn has three adult children and several grandchildren. Her family is everything to her. You also read that as Evelynn’s short term memory deteriorates, she has aggressive outbursts with staff and regresses back to her role of school principal.
You are unsure how to approach Evelynn. You knock and Evelynn welcomes you in. She starts talking about the problems she is having with her bowels and thinks you are here to help with that. You explain you are here to assess the pressure ulcer on her foot. Evelynn yells at you, demands to know why you are in her office and states to leave immediately before she gives you a detention. You go straight to the RN in charge and explain what has happened. The RN says did you consider what was important to Evelynn in that moment and the implications of Evelynn’s short term memory loss?
The RN asks you to reflect on Watson’s caring science, in particular the value assumptions. He says reflecting on these will help before you see Evelynn again. The value assumptions are relevant for Evelynn’s safety and well-being. The RN asks you to reflect on the principles of transpersonal teaching and Principle 7: promotional of a transpersonal teaching and learning. He suggests when you go back to see Evelynn, you base your interaction on an understanding of these principles as a person with unique needs and as a basis for ethical, person centred care in practice.
You take time preparing before you see Evelynn again. When you see Evelynn you approach calmly and with a caring attitude and a focus on a caring-healing modality. Evelynn welcomes you in again and you share your love of competitive gaming with Evelynn. Her eyes light up and she begins to show you the many photos of herself on the walls at competitions. As you chat, she asks about her bowels and why you are in her office.
__________________________
Watson’s caring science and the principles of transpersonal teaching can be applied to provide Evelynn with safe and effective care.
Watson’s Caring Science
Watson’s caring science is a holistic approach to nursing that focuses on the human experience of health and illness. It is based on the belief that caring is the central focus of nursing and that it is essential for promoting health and well-being.
Watson’s caring science has seven value assumptions:
Caring is a moral ideal that is essential for human existence.
Caring is a transpersonal process that transcends the individual and connects them to something larger than themselves.
Caring is a mutual process that involves both the nurse and the patient.
Caring is a healing process that promotes health and well-being.
Caring is a process of knowing and being known.
Caring is a process of valuing and being valued.
Caring is a process of creating a healing environment.
Principles of Transpersonal Teaching
Transpersonal teaching is a way of teaching that focuses on the whole person, including their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. It is based on the belief that learning is most effective when it is integrated and holistic.
The principles of transpersonal teaching include:
Creating a safe and supportive environment.
Building rapport and trust.
Communicating with compassion and understanding.
Honoring the student’s uniqueness.
Facilitating learning through dialogue and reflection.
Helping the student to connect with their own inner wisdom.
Applying Watson’s Caring Science and Transpersonal Teaching to Evelynn’s Care
In order to provide Evelynn with safe and effective care, it is important to consider her unique needs and preferences. Using Watson’s caring science and the principles of transpersonal teaching, I can create a caring-healing environment where Evelynn can feel safe, supported, and respected.
Here are some specific examples of how I can apply these concepts to Evelynn’s care:
Create a safe and supportive environment. I can create a safe and supportive environment by introducing myself in a calm and friendly manner. I can also let Evelynn know that she is in control and that she can ask me to stop at any time if she feels uncomfortable.
Build rapport and trust. I can build rapport and trust with Evelynn by taking the time to get to know her. I can ask her about her interests and her family. I can also share some things about myself, such as my love of competitive gaming.
Communicate with compassion and understanding. I can communicate with compassion and understanding by listening to Evelynn with an open mind and heart. I can also avoid making assumptions about her abilities or her needs.
Honor the student’s uniqueness. I can honor Evelynn’s uniqueness by respecting her values and beliefs. I can also be flexible and willing to adapt my approach to meet her individual needs.
Facilitate learning through dialogue and reflection. I can facilitate learning through dialogue and reflection by asking Evelynn questions about her understanding of her condition. I can also encourage her to share her thoughts and feelings about her care.
Help the student to connect with their own inner wisdom. I can help Evelynn to connect with her own inner wisdom by encouraging her to trust her intuition and to listen to her body. I can also provide her with resources that can help her to learn more about her condition and how to manage it.
