Introduction
The study reflects the central ideas of the nursing manifesto that became an illustration of healthcare reforms. According to Kagan, Smith, and Chinn (2009), the concepts that were described by the authors did not evolve sporadically, but they were based on the theories of consciousness-raising, diversity and inclusivity, and American pragmatism (p. 69).
After analyzing the nursing ideals, one can get an impression of distortion and contradiction between some of its issues. Nevertheless, the work contains some authentic models of nursing organizations’ functioning. For instance, I agree with the concept of healthcare reformation, which pleads: “organizations are not changing because people in organizations are not changing” (Cowling, Chinn, & Hagedorn, 2000, p. 6). The idea emphasizes the principle of individual behaviorism as a factor that influences collective progress. Thus, the nursing practices that are supported by multiple professionals have to align with the general goals of the medical establishment since it provides treatment consistency and responsiveness to the patients’ needs.
Nursing Experience Improvement
Though the nursing manifesto expresses the idea of practical knowledge dominance, it is acknowledged that there is a strong tendency of preferring theoretical proficiency. Thus, many modern educational programs, which target nursing competence, do not provide the learners with experimental practices. The problem may be solved if modern education embraces a new approach to healthcare activities. For instance, Benner’s model of proficiency levels can serve as a learning alternative to the traditional academic instructions since it guides the students through both the initial stages of theoretical nursing mastery and the practical experience. I consider that every global citizen has a duty of contributing to healthcare quality improvement. As a nursing student, I am trying to adopt practical experience daily by engaging in volunteering activities that aim at providing the community with medical assistance.
Non-Living Nursing Agenda: Faulty Assumptions About Healthcare
According to the manifesto, nursing mastery has to be acquired through natural compassion and incentives. Thus, the authors claim that the art of healing is guided by internal feelings (Cowling et al., 2000). However, I consider that such assumptions are not only faulty but damaging as well. The process of nursing knowledge acquisition is stipulated by objective reality and impacts human health. Therefore, it is crucial to treat the sphere of health-care activities as a system of scientific approaches and practical mastery. Even if a nurse can perceive the feelings and sufferings of a patient, it does not necessarily mean that he/she is capable of providing treatment. That is why nursing practices have to correspond to the living agenda of healthcare.
Hegemonic Ideas About People in the 1950s
Due to the nursing manifesto, cultural hegemony has always been a reason for multiple nursing disputes and discriminatory prejudices (Cowling et al., 2000). The analysis of the American social discrepancies that embraced the nation in the 1950s can be compiled based on sitcoms. Thus, the famous TV show “Ozzie & Harriet” provides an overview of the perceptions and beliefs that served as the basis for ruling class domination. For instance, one of its episodes illustrates a discussion of an American couple, which sorts Christmas cards, according to the social statuses of their authors (Nelson, 1956). The hegemony that overtook the U.S. citizens in the middle of the 20th century created a powerful influence on all community spheres. The medical care domain has become an object of cultural biases as well. Therefore, it is a primary challenge for nursing professionals to revive the idea of equity among both the patients and the workers.
References
Cowling, R., Chinn, P., & Hagedorn, S. (2000). A nursing manifesto: A call to conscience and action. Web.
Kagan, P., Smith, M., & Chinn, P. (2009). A nursing manifesto: An emancipatory call for knowledge development, conscience, and praxis. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 67-84.
Nelson, O. (Writer), & Nelson, D. (Director). (1956). A busy Christmas [19]. In O. Nelson (Producer), The adventures of Ozzie & Harriet. Los Angeles, California: Stage Five Productions.