Saturday, November 1, 2003
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, November 2, 2003
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Sunday, November 2, 2003
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This presentation is part of : Creative Arts

Throwaways

Ethel C. Ragland, EdD, MN, RN, Benedictine University, Department of Nursing and Health, Lisle, IL, USA

This work addresses the convention theme of "Building Diverse Relationships." The humanities offer us a unique way of understanding the human experience. Through literary works we can see the other as outselves and actualize the concepts of empathy and transpersonal caring. Written from the client perspective, this poem challenges us to see the humanity of the diverse clients we serve in the community. The refrain urges an unconditional acceptance of all clients regardless of their life circumstances.

In my work as a community health nurse educator, I am constantly struck by the differential valuing of lives in our society. Through this poem I hope to challenge us as nurses to confront and reject the "throwaway" mentality of rank ordering human beings and their worth. It is only through seing the humanity of all our clients that we can live in the ethic of caring.

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