A worldview in nursing is important. What is more important, perhaps, is having a personal worldview, while respecting those of others. A worldview, by definition, is a cognitive orientation, and it can be that of one or many. Mine is just that, mine. However, because, as an individual in the medical field, we work with many different people of different backgrounds, it would prevent us from effectively performing our job if we limited everybody’s worldview to our own. Therefore, in answer to the question what is my worldview, I understand the answer is personal, but it does not limit my ability to see the worldview of others.
Spirituality is a term often included with one’s worldview, as most people on the planet consider themselves spiritual. The term can be a limitless amount of things because it is subjective today; so many people use the term to describe their feelings towards organized religion, their personal relationship outside of organized religion, but with a higher power, their own religion, etc.. At times, spirituality has nothing to do with religion; one may use it to describe their relationship with yoga, for example. Regardless of how it is used, as a caregiver, my worldview can be my own, but the definition of spirituality must contain each of these definitions so that I am able to remain sensitive to these and all other aspects of the word. Flexibility is essential. Discussing one or more facets of spirituality, even if they are not a part of my worldview may make me a pluralist, as the term allows for two or more factions, whether they be religions or otherwise, to coexist. Pluralism is a part of my worldview indefinitely.
Scientism is also a part of my worldview. It adheres to the scientific method, which is essential to the work involved in being a nurse. Spirituality is important to the patient, as well as the caregiver as an individual. However, scientism is important to the caregiving process; without science, there would be no medicine. I do not have to voice this, or any other portion of my worldview, however. Scientism is combined with prime reality, which is the material universe. It is, conversely, an exclusively religious term, which makes it difficult to explain in this regard. The nature of the world around me can be explained by scientism, for me, as well as prime reality in a manner. The world around me is made up of physical elements that I can see and touch. There is nothing mysterious about it and, especially in terms of work; I try to remember I am in control of everything going on, especially human beings.
Human beings, in terms of a worldview, can be so difficult to define. We are so complex. We are capable of coming up with our definition to this question, for instance. Many people believe human beings are made in a god’s image. That is a perfectly acceptable worldview, and one that I am not inclined to argue with, as it does not bother me or interfere with my work. I do not adopt with worldview, however. I believe we are independent, complex creatures, autonomous and prepared to make our own decisions. Because my worldview about human beings is so steadfast in character, it is no surprise that, when asked what happens to a person at death, the answer is it depends on what type of death they experience. There is bodily death, wherein their heart stops functioning and their lungs stop giving oxygen to the rest of the body, and there is brain death, wherein their brain ceases some motor functions, but the body still manages to function in ways that allow technical life. At death, the worldview of others may include an afterlife, but this is not a part of my thoughts at this time.
A most interesting question is, “Why is it possible to know anything at all?” To answer this question, I must thank the long process of evolution. I understand that throughout it and its pressures, humans have eventually been pressured into adapting to the individuals we are now. I am the person I am today, with consciousness and intelligence because at one point Home Erectus was forced to fight to survive in a far more savage fashion than I ever have been forced to. It is likely because of this consciousness that people know the difference between right and wrong, but I am sure it has much to do with personal experiences and, of course, personal worldviews. Many of us, for example, know murder is wrong regardless of where we come from, our religion, or our worldview. However, our religion may tell us it is immoral to eat pork, marry a woman who is not a virgin, or have a baby who is not a boy. These are worldviews that I may disagree with, but they do not inherently affect my day or my job. It is my job to respect diversity . Realizing we are different like this, and respecting these differences is the meaning of human history. We come from different places and believe different things. I have different worldviews than those sitting next to me at any given time of day. Though we may be completely opposite in some aspects when it comes to a medical emergency, we are not separate at all. We all want to survive; we want to be safe with our loved ones be able to continue living the lives we choose, learning about our histories. The culmination of is human history.
In sum, though my worldview is different from others, it does not mean it influences my life or my work. It simply makes us all that much more interesting and different. I am able to recognize these differences and appreciate them for what they are, even if I do not agree with them. It is important to do this, especially when working with many different people every day. My worldview is my own, it does not have to influence those around me.
References
Delgado-Guay, M., Parsons, H. A., Hui, D., De la Cruz, M. G., Thorney, S., & Bruera, E. (2013). Spirituality, Religiosity, and Spiritual Pain Among Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 455-461.
Masters, K. S., & Hooker, S. A. (2012). Religiousness/spirituality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: Cultural integration for health research and intervention. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 206-216.
Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2008). Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education. Boston: Pearson.
