Page 207 - 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
control, and power over others and their environment, whereas other
cultures and countries across time have valued and continue to value
higher-order states of civilization related to artistic, literary, cultural,
and spiritual accomplishments (art, music, poetry, sculpture, design,
architecture, evolved human potential, a moral community, a caring
society, peace, and similar values).
The achievement need is thus manifest at the individual and social-
cultural levels as well as reflected among the spiritual practices of an
individual, a people, a race, and a nation-state. These various dimen-
sions, values, views, and theories of achievement need to be consid-
ered in the practice of caring.
A Caritas Nurse is open to explore the variety of dynamics and
vicissitudes within this area as well as the potential evolution of his or
her views of achievement at the individual and civilization levels. Just
as self-worth and a sense of social approval are needed and desired
by humans at the individual level, the same notions can hold true for
nation-states and the different and meaningful forms of achievement
represented by different nations, cultures, and areas of the world.
Considering these matters at a higher order invites a higher level of
consciousness of individual and collective action and the way these
forms of action interact to affect the whole.
Within the ancient energy system, this need is related to the ener-
getic level of the “throat” and the “third eye.” It is within these energy
systems that one finds issues related to choice and personal expression
for using one’s power to create, to follow one’s dream, to pursue one’s
intellectual abilities, openness, ability to learn from experiences, and
so on (Myss 1996).

signifiCanCe of tHe aCHievement need for Caritas NursiNg
• To assist with this need, Caritas Nurses need to understand the
complex dynamics and forces operating behind the need and its dif-
ferent values, forms of expression at the individual and collective
levels, and how it manifests at the human and civilization levels.
• It is important for Caritas Nurses to be cognizant of and to
separate their own needs and values from what is important,
expected, valued, and realistic for the one-being-cared-for.

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