The concept of personhood as used in the nursing as caring theory.

Sample Answer

In Boykin and Schoenhofer's Nursing As Caring Theory, the concept of personhood is central and distinct, moving beyond traditional biomedical definitions. It is not merely about a biological entity or a collection of symptoms; rather, it's a dynamic, relational, and inherent quality of being human.

Here's a breakdown of personhood as used in this theory:

Persons are Caring by Virtue of Their Humanness: The foundational premise is that all individuals are innately caring. This means that caring is not something learned or applied, but an inherent quality that defines what it means to be a person. It's a fundamental aspect of one's being. Even if a person's actions don't always appear caring, the potential and fundamental essence of caring exist within them.

Persons are Whole and Complete in the Moment: Boykin and Schoenhofer emphasize that a person is always complete and whole, even in moments of illness, brokenness, or perceived insufficiency. This perspective challenges the idea of segmenting a person into parts (mind, body, spirit) or focusing on what is "missing" or "deficient." Instead, it encourages nurses to encounter the person in their entirety, recognizing their inherent wholeness regardless of their health status or circumstances.

Personhood is a Process of Living Grounded in Caring: Personhood isn't a static state but an ongoing process. It's about how individuals live out their innate caring nature moment to moment. As individuals grow and develop, their capacity to express and live caring also unfolds. This living of caring contributes to and enhances their personhood