Our societies are defined by the concept of pluralism, which illustrates the impression that there is no single reality view that describes the entirety of life. Pluralism shows varied probable viewpoints that are of equal significance and validity. Scientism approach is a broad belief that is based on the assumption that, physical and natural disciplines are in the same way appropriate to other disciplines with the inclusion of philosophy. Postmodernism concept is a rational way that is critical of certain specific foundational norms of the Western viewpoint particularly from the 18th era Enlightenment (van der Kooiji et al, 2013). My personal worldview is influenced strongly by what I believe in, but I also possess rich science knowledge, which can affect my faith. Accepting holiness in healthcare is mainly limited by the philosophical theories of postmodernism and scientism.
Every mature person has a worldview of their own, which drives our approaches and any action that we take. These worldviews illustrates a person’s perception on opinions that creates a relationship with others and the life meaning. The ideas are not specifically religious but are important in the full treatment of patients. In most medical fields, spirituality and religious beliefs have not been allowed. The religious opinions of patients are not acknowledged in most conversations with their doctors. On the contrary, the healthcare sector should incorporate people’s spiritual beliefs and their worldview more while dealing with medical issues (Shelly & Miller, 2009). The spiritual opinions of the patient can be used in providing improved and better healthcare worldwide. Spirituality has proved to reduce mortality rates, increase rates of recovery and increasing coping abilities.
Nursing has particularly excluded spirituality due to the postmodernism and scientism concepts. Scientism has the belief that the knowledge of anything not derived by scientific research is not real and therefore cannot be applied in scientific models. On the other hand, Postmodernism rejects any claim of complete knowhow, prudence in science and the role of reason, which argues that truth is comparative to perception. Therefore, nurses should be concerned with the patients self-being and how they relate with each other in relation to the function they have to the world (Shelly & Miller, 2009). A patient’s worldview of life and personal beliefs can be applied in nursing for quick recovery of the patient, promoting their health, body development, as well as growth.
Scientism and postmodernism have muffled spiritualism as they leave no space for pluralism, which describes the acceptance of principles and practices diversity. They do not include ethical cognition and omit to completely embrace the whole view of human life (Shelly & miller, 2009). In my own view, there are parts of the three concepts that can bring coexistence and promote individual’s spirituality and their worldview. In life application, we can recognize the importance of not accepting everything that we are told, appreciate the role of science healthcare and at the same time be aware that science cannot work alone.
More recent surveys have reflected on how psychological care aspects have helped in recovery of patients as compared to their physical aspects (Shelly & Miller, 2009). Study by Shelly & Miller illustrates that nursing becomes continuous with the introduction of Christianity in that field. Several questions have been asked while trying to understand worldview. First, we ask ourselves what the prime reality? In this case, most people including myself believe God is our reality. However, there is conflict in this since I believe God created everything on earth including humans but also I believe in the evolution theory (Funk, 2001). Second question is why it is not possible to know everything? Then the question is followed by how do we define what is right and what is wrong? (Funk, 2001) As Christians, it is through stories and teachings that we know right and wrong. Lastly, we are asked to define human history through which we struggle to be better persons. All these aspects when applied in nursing can improve healthcare delivery (van der Kooiji etal, 2013).
In conclusion, my opinion seeks to illustrate the importance of influence of religious beliefs while not disregarding the facts proved by science. Incorporating pluralism in healthcare would promote scientific facts existence and individual spirituality. Therefore, nurses need to explore history of patients and their worldview before coming up with a plan on healthcare methods to employ (Shelly & Miller, 2009). Communication between the two parties should be open without boundaries especially where there is experimental proof of how spirituality could improve a patient’s recovery.
References
Funk.,K. (2001). What is a Worldview. Accessed on 3rd august, retrieved from:
http://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~funkk/Personal/worldview.html
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2009). Called to care: A Christian worldview for
nursing. InterVarsity Press.
van der Kooij, J. C., de Ruyter, D. J., & Miedema, S. (2013). “Worldview”: the Meaning of
the Concept and the Impact on Religious Education. Religious education, 108(2), 210-228.
