In fulfillment of my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) requirements, I undertook a major paper. In this project, I developed a conceptual framework for nursing titled, "A Chance for Healing: Storying Use Within Clinical Practice. A Conceptual Framework for Nursing". This work was inspired by the experience of illness within my family and my work as a nurse. I kept wanting to paint a picture for my readers. Thus, at the end, I painted one using verse. This poem summates a conceptual framework that holds significance for nursing practice, education and research. It is a reminder of the roots of our practice and the need for holistic care. Central to the poem’s message, and the experience it provides, is how indispensable the therapeutic relationship is to practice; and how much patients and families need to be heard and to establish a connection to their professional caregivers. It tries to reclaim health care’s initial spirit and intent: people helping people for the health/well-being of all. Moreover, I strive to honour the elusive factor of practice: the personal. In regards to aesthetic expression, this piece strives to: (1) express the whole of the situation - the illness experience and nursing’s role in it, (2) contribute to growth - new insights and wisdom about nursing’s role in the illness experience, (3) reaffirm the importance of nurse’s presence, (4) improve nurse-patient sense of connectedness and lastly, (5) facilitate an experience of mutuality of caring.
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