Running head: THE INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHY IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
The Influence of Philosophy in Psychiatric Nursing Practice
Courtney Humphrey
Stenberg College
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PHILOSOPHY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PSYCHIATRIC NURSIN
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The Influence of Philosophy in Psychiatric Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Nursing as a discipline does not rely solely on one type of theoretical
approach. In fact, the very foundation of Psychiatric Nursing draws on the theological ideologies
and paradigms adapted from various schools of knowledge. Academia in which Psychiatric
Nursing draws knowledge from is found in areas such as Psychology, Sociology and most
importantly, Philosophy. By drawing from various bodies of knowledge this ensures that
Psychiatric Nursing will not remain constant; it will subsequently be able to develop and
transform over time. Why is this important? It is important because much like the world around
us our patients and their mental health are continuously evolving and transforming. Thus, in
order to stay relevant Psychiatric Nursing must evolve as well. Moreover, by drawing on various
forms of academia such as Philosophy this brings new insight and understanding into the world
of mental health. It also allows Psychiatric Nurses the freedom to explore and branch out from
accepted norms therefore ensuring that Psychiatric Nursing does not become stagnant (Chinn,
2008, p. 1). By incorporating Philosophy into Psychiatric Nursing education, this increases
student nurses’ understanding and awareness about the world around them. Thus Philosophy will
help Psychiatric Nurses think with persistence and intensity about their practice (Griffen, 1980,
p. 262) In other words, it will allow Psychiatric Nursing students to reflect, deliberate and
question their own values and beliefs. This is important since nursing practice often raises moral
questions of what is right, wrong and just. Therefore, it is essential that Psychiatric Nurses have
a clear understanding of Philosophy since it will facilitate critical analysis of questions regarding
nursing theory, ethics and freedom, and will in turn strengthen their practice.
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Psychiatric nurses must have solid foundation of philosophy in order to think critically
about nursing theory. Given the variety of nursing theories that exit today this will help
Psychiatric Nurses narrow down the theories that reflect their beliefs and values. In turn, this will
help Psychiatric Nurses strengthen their practice. On the other hand, this will also ensure that
patients receive the best quality of care since nursing theory directly impacts patients and those
in health care (Thornton, 2007, para. 3). Through philosophical analysis of nursing theories,
nurses may develop a clear understanding of the concepts, values and principles regarding
Psychiatric Nursing and mental health. What exactly are nursing theories? According to Sieloff
& Ralph in Nursing theory and management (2011) theories are “conceptualization of some
aspect of reality that pertains to nursing” (p. 979). These conceptualizations are further
articulated for the purpose of explaining, describing or prescribing nursing acts (as cited by
Sieloff & Ralph, 2011). Thus nursing theories act as the foundation of Psychiatric Nursing and
are used to guide the nursing practice. By combining different aspects of various nursing
theories, nurses can develop a practice which is unique to them. What is interesting about
nursing theories is that they represent different world views and are subsequently always up for
debate; this means nursing theories are “always subject to revision in the light of further
investigation” (Hosper, 2013, p. 105). By utilizing philosophical knowledge nurses are able to
step back and question nursing theory and their practice. Moreover, it also allows psychiatric
nurses to answer, evaluate and reason about life’s most basic and meaningful questions (LeHigh
University, 2014, para. 6). On the contrary, this is unlike scientific knowledge, with which there
would be a definite answer to a question. It is therefore evident that having a sound
understanding of philosophy will allow nurses to question – not only their practice – but the
PHILOSOPHY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PSYCHIATRIC NURSIN
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nursing theories which represent the foundation of their craft. In doing so, this will strengthen
nursing practice by allowing nurses to critically think about the world around them.
Having a strong understanding of philosophy will allow Psychiatric Nurses the
opportunity to analyze ethical questions and subsequently strengthen their practice. This is
important since each day Psychiatric Nurses are “required to make ethical decisions in the course
of caring for their patients” (Fry & Johnstone, 2008, p. 224). Ethical questions that often arise
are those regarding patient autonomy, preserving life and alleviating suffering (Willson-Barnett,
1986, p. 123). What exactly are ethics? According to the College of Registered Psychiatric
Nurses of B.C. (2010) nursing ethics are a set of acceptable behaviors and values of the
Psychiatric Nursing Profession. Moreover, the Code of Ethics is the “framework for professional
responsibility and accountability” (p. 1). Psychiatric Nurses are expected to uphold these
standards, however; the Code Of Ethics does not provide answers to every ethical question.
Thus, the Psychiatric Nurses must step back and examine their moral beliefs and values
regarding ethical dilemmas. In order to do this Psychiatric Nurses must use philosophical
analysis which provides them with a platform to ask these types of questions. By including
philosophical inquiry into nursing practice, it allows nurses to ask questions such as “why?” In
doing so, nurses can begin to examine why they hold certain values and beliefs since those
opinions ultimately shape their practice. One might argue that when nurses have a clearer
understanding of their values they are more likely to transfer these opinions into their practice.
Therefore, Psychiatric Nurses should incorporate Philosophical analysis into their practice since
it will provide them the opportunity to question what their thoughts and beliefs are regarding
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ethical dilemmas. In turn, this will strengthen Psychiatric Nurses practice by ensuring that their
values and beliefs reflect their work.
In order to critically analyze the concept of freedom, Psychiatric Nurses must have a
clear understanding of Philosophy. This is important due to the complexity of freedom in regards
to mental health. By utilizing philosophical analysis Psychiatric Nurses will be able to step back
and examine what freedom means within their practice. Therefore, philosophical analysis gives
Psychiatric Nurses the platform to question the various ideologies of freedom. Why is it
important for Psychiatric Nurses to have an understanding of freedom? It is important because in
terms of mental health freedom represents a patient’s right within the hospital. Therefore, in
order to advocate for patient rights, Psychiatric Nurses must have a clear understanding of
freedom. In the hospital setting, those who suffer from mental illness may unfortunately lose
their freedom, and consequently their rights. However, this is not to say that all individuals who
suffer from mental will lose their freedom. Although mental illness maybe viewed as an
impediment to freedom, Hospers (2013) suggests that this is not the case. In fact, Hospers
believes that mental illness should be viewed as debilitating rather than a loss of freedom (p.
153). On the other hand, Author M. Risjord in Nursing and human freedom (2013) believes that
nurses should view freedom in terms of freedom from (negative) and freedom to (positive).
Therefore, if having a mental illness causes patients negative consequences (freedom from) than
it is the Psychiatric Nurses duty to advocate for the patient and restore their freedom. However,
some philosophers will argue that the patient never had freedom at all because freedom is an
illusion (Hospers, 2013, p. 154). In fact, philosophers have been debating the question of
freedom for millennia (O’Connor, 2010, para. 1). One the other hand, philosopher Aristotle
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would argue that freedom is the “individual’s possibility to express themselves according to their
will, their conscience, their nature” (Aparecida et al., 2012, para. 5). The question then remains:
what definition of freedom will the Psychiatric Nurse accept? Whatever the case may be
Psychiatric Nurses must practice in accordance of their Code of Ethics which states that they
must uphold the freedom and autonomy of their patients (CRPNBC, 2010). Therefore, it is
essential that Psychiatric Nurses have an understanding of Philosophy since it will aid in the
critical analysis of freedom. In turn, this will ensure that Psychiatric Nurses practice will reflect
their values and beliefs of freedom.
It is evident that the foundation of Psychiatric Nursing is built upon theoretical
frameworks and ideologies from various schools of knowledge. Psychiatric Nursing draws this
knowledge from academia such as Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. It is important that
Psychiatric Nurses have a solid foundation of Philosophy because Philosophy has a genuine
impact on Psychiatric Nursing practice. Moreover, Philosophy provides nurses with the tools for
critical analysis; ensuring that Psychiatric Nurses practice in a thoughtful manner, one which
reflects their values and beliefs. By incorporating philosophical analysis into practice, this
provides nurses with a clear understanding of critical questions which face Psychiatric Nurses
such as nursing theory, ethics and freedom. By having a rich understanding of these questions –
which are the basis of nursing – this will provide nurses with solid foundation for which to
practice. It is therefore essential for Psychiatric Nurses to have a strong understanding of
philosophical theories and concepts.
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References
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https://philosophy.cas2.lehigh.edu/content/why-study-philosophy
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