Parallels in practice: Palliative nursing practice and Parse’s theory of human becoming

Abstract

Nurses experienced in the art and science of palliative nursing will find many elements of congruence between the principles and philosophy of palliative practice and the theory of human becoming. In this brief exploration of parallels in practice between Parse's theory of human becoming and traditional palliative and hospice nursing practice, the author suggests that the theory of human becoming is consistent and consonant with the values that shape palliative nursing practice. The theory is briefly described, and four parallels of practice are identifed: whole person care; the presence of paradox in human experience; primacy of the person; and presence and dialogue, or "being with, " dying persons. The theory of human becoming holds relevance and promise in its capacity to provide palliative and hospice nurses with a theoretical framework with which to inform and guide nursing practice with dying persons.

Expressed Desire for Hastened Death in Seven Patients Living With Advanced Cancer: A Phenomenologic Inquiry

“…The particular applicability of this insight to the understanding of the end-of-life experience of the patient with advanced cancer is striking. The parallels between palliative nursing and Parse's (1992) theory of Human Becoming have been described previously (Hutchings, 2002). Leaving aside the complexities of her theory, the insight that Parse (1992) described in the paradoxical nature of human experiences and human feelings elicits the "phenomenologic nod" (van Manen, 1990) from the researcher.…”

Hospice nurses’ emotional challenges in their encounters with the dying

“…Focusing on the interhuman connection, where the nurse is being fully present and attentive to the patient, is outlined as one of the most consistent elements in regards to health and well-being. Other congruent elements were: understanding the whole patient, not reducing him or her to parts, and the importance of focusing on the subjective experience of quality of life (Hutchings, 2002 ).…”

Negotiating Relational Practice Patterns in Palliative Home Care

“…If the quality of home-based palliative care is to be optimized, core values such as alleviating suffering and preserving dignity (5) must be made central to this care. It is imperative that nurses view the time they spend with clients and families as a resource, as an opportunity to be with and bear witness to another's end-of-life passage (37). True connection with another person (38,39) gives meaning and purpose to the practice of palliative care nurses who spend time with people at the end of their lives.…”