Page 184 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

a dmi ni st ering sacr e d nu rs i ng a ct s
signifiCanCe of tHe elimination need for Caritas NursiNg
• Subjective “feeling states” and perceptions are associated with
bodily functions and physical problems with the elimination
system; these perceptions and meanings are incorporated into a
child’s mind during early childhood development.

• Assistance with this basic human need is more than just a bio-
physical function; it encompasses Martinsen’s (2006) and oth-
ers’ existential phenomena and notions of “dwelling” as more
than satisfaction of needs but rather as related to life-enhanc-
ing responses in space and place whereby one helps another
find calm, rest, and dignity. This view of basic needs assistance
embraces the lived experience of other and includes:
1. Feelings of anxiety, anger, guilt, possession, resentment, con-
trol, and dependency.
2. Societal-cultural and parental views affect early attitudes
toward cleanliness, modesty, privacy, morality, immorality,
and toilet habits.
3. Experiences and meanings associated with this need dur-
ing early childhood can affect self-concept, body image, and
bodily functions.
• The practice of caring includes an understanding of individual
desires, habits, ideas, and cultural and personal significance asso-
ciated with this need.

• The foundation for this developmental stage helps promote
autonomy, flexibility, curiosity, creativity; it can also affect feel-
ings of shame, doubt, rigidity, stifling of curiosity, and inhibition
of creativity.

• Assistance with this basic need is an important part of routine
care for all patients. But understanding this need from a broader
horizon of meaning and energetic connections with the whole
person and life experiences and meanings needs to be considered
in caring practices.
• In any plan of care, the Caritas Nurse seeks to preserve the dig-
nity of the person and approach caring practices with the utmost
respect and regard for those needing such help when they are so
vulnerable and dependent upon the nurse.

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