Reference no: EM133744629
Assignment:
The textbook makes the argument that nurses who provide direct care are often treated as though they are disposable. This occurs in four distinct realms:
- Intellectual labour
- Emotional labour
- Personal time
- Nurses' wellbeing
All four realms are both underappreciated and undervalued.
Intellectual and Emotional Labour
Studies have found that there is very little room for nurses to exercise their own judgement. In their work, nurses follow a prescribed set of rules within very specific timeframes. These rules and practices are centered on caring for physical, rather than emotional needs. The labour involved in dealing with patients' emotional needs is compromised and devalued.
Personal Time
Studies find that nurses routinely stay after their shifts are over in order to complete all of their tasks. This is time not claimed for pay.
Nurses' Wellbeing
Lastly, studies have found that the overall well-being of nurses is in jeopardy. Excessive workloads are creating extra burdens of stress, fatigue, anxiety and self-blame for the care that is provided on top of the always present level of personal risk (both physical and psychological) that is inherent in the work of nurses.
Goal
Discuss the structural conflicts within nursing realms and suggest a strategy to liberate nurses from institutional constraints.
Instructions:
1. Applies sociological imagination.
Questions assumptions, looks beyond the surface, and applies present situation to past and future.
2. Engages in discussion.
Contributes in proper English more than required number of posts, responses, and replies and/or supports peers' learning with constructive responses.
3. Compose a response to the following questions:
Some nurses have described emotional labour as doing 'nothing'. For example, taking the time to sit with a patient and talk is often seen as being unproductive (Strohschein and Weitz, 2014, pp. 221). Why do you think the emotional labour of nurses is devalued? What is the connection between this phenomenon and the roles that women play in our society? Do you think there might be a difference in the way that the emotional work of male nurses is viewed given the roles that men play in our society?
According to the textbook, nurses are reporting not having the time to think through their care giving. They also state that they do not have the time to talk about it with others because of their workloads. What do you think are some of the potential consequences of this for both those in need of care and for nurses?
How can this structure of work be challenged? One of the main tenants of cultural safety is the idea that care is centered on the perceptions of the patient. Suggest one strategy to liberate nursing from institutional constraints.