Page 59 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

26 n BOYkIN AND ScHOeNHOFer

cells, releasing the toxins and restoring The pivotal role of nursing is to nurture
the adenosine triphosphate for the cells’ the developmental process of caring as growth
B nourishment. The science of microcurrent toward self-actualization. concepts central to
action is well documented in two research- the theory include the following: caring, char-
grounded energy medicine books: Energy acterized by recognition of value and con-
Medicine: The Scientific Basis, by James l. nectedness between the nurse and the nursed
Oschman (2000), and The Body Electric: (person who is cared for and about), pro-
Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life, moting mutual respect and altruistic actions
by robert Becker and Gary Selden (1985). (Boykin & Schoenhofer, 2001); caring between
a personal encounter connection between the
Physiological indicators with a psychologi- nurse and the nursed “within which person-
cal self-care orientation are used to demon- hood is nurtured” (p. 14); and nursing situa-
strate change. These previously mentioned tion, “a shared lived experience in which the
studies are few in number, but recently the caring between nurse and nursed enhances
kinds and quality of noninvasive instrumen- personhood” (p. 13).
tation on the market are allowing researchers The visual synthesis of the theory
to trace change in bodily and psychological of nursing as caring, the Dance of Caring
processes—eeG, Hrv, blood sugar levels, Persons, represents the active and the circu-
blood flow, cO 2 , and respiratory activity, lar “dance-like” nature of caring grounded
to name a few. The stage is set for offering in respect for one another (the nurse and
feedback to any number of chronic problems the nursed) as unique caring individu-
heretofore neglected. als in the process of growth (Boykin &
Schoenhofer, 2001; Boykin, Schoenhofer,
Helen Kogan Budzynski Smith, St. Jean, & Aleman, 2003). valuing
Hsin-Yi (Jean) Tang of all persons connecting within the dance
inform ways of communicating and relat-
ing effectively with others (Boykin &
Schoenhofer, 2001). The Dance of Caring
Boykin and schoenhofeR: Persons was developed as a model for build-
The TheoRy of nuRsing as ing organizational effectiveness through
enhancing collaboration, respect, and satis-
caRing faction of nurses and the nursed (health care
customers; Boykin & Schoenhofer, 2006).
The development of caring health care
Boykin and Schoenhofer’s theory of nursing practice environments is enhanced through
as caring defines the essential nature of the the application of nursing as caring through
discipline of nursing as “nurturing persons story. The use of story provides a vehicle
living caring and growing in caring” (2001, for the art of nursing to inform its practice.
p. 12). Fundamental assumptions include the Sharing nursing situation through story
following: persons are caring by virtue of reminds nurses of the richness of living car-
their humanness; persons are caring, moment ing within nursing practice and promotes the
to moment; persons are whole and complete realization of self and others as “persons liv-
in the moment; personhood is a process of ing caring and growing in caring” (Boykin &
living grounded in caring; personhood is Schoenhofer, 2001, p. 12).
enhanced through participating in nurturing The theory of nursing as caring is
relationships with caring others; and nursing described by Boykin and Schoenhofer (2001)
is both a discipline and a profession (Boykin as a general (grand) theory. The broad concep-
& Schoenhofer, 2001, p. 1). tual framework of nursing as caring serves