Page 183 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

a d m i ni s t er ing s acr e d n u r s in g ac t s
related to ingestion and elimination. Issues of autonomy, curiosity,
shame, modesty, doubt, rigidity, and stifling or facilitating creativity
all are considered to be associated with the early childhood origins
and background experiences related to this need. These early feelings
of giving and receiving, conforming or rebelling, are discussed in the
psychodynamic literature with respect to this need.
The Caritas Nurse is respectful and honoring of the whole per-
son and all the subjective meanings and associations of this need. The
Caritas Nurse does his or her best to respond to the sensitivity of the
individual.
Assisting others in meeting their basic need for cleanliness and
bodily function, making themselves attractive and presentable for self
and other, is critical to one’s sense of self and one’s sense of dignity,
self-esteem, and self-regard—indeed, such basics can affect one’s health
and healing. Thus, this need requires skill, sensitivity, and a trusting-
intimate relationship between the patient and nurse.
This need goes beyond bodily function to encompass such basic
self-care needs as shaving, having a haircut, using lotions, applying
makeup, and so on, that are part of a person’s daily, private, personal
routine. This basic routine is interrupted when one is ill and unable
to carry out these tasks; thus, it is often a source of frustration, if not
embarrassment and even anger, that one is dependent on another for
assistance.
The sensitivity and feelings the nurse associates with this need like-
wise affect the nurse’s response in taking care of another. Whether the
need is for a bedpan or for assisting one with the daily toilet, the nurse
enters into the need with a Caritas Consciousness that holds the other
and his or her need with the utmost dignity and respect. Moreover, a
reflective Caritas Nurse is also honoring of his or her own feelings and
aware of how those feelings may interfere with care.
In caring for another with this presenting need, the Caritas Nurse
approaches this act as a gift to the other. In fully accepting the other,
in preserving the other’s integrity and sensitive feelings, there is a rec-
ognition that the one receiving this assistance is deeply grateful for the
dignity and honor the nurse offers through this gift of compassionate,
caring service.

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