Concept Analysis on Self-Sacrifice Essay Example
Concept Analysis on Self-Sacrifice Essay Example

Concept Analysis on Self-Sacrifice Essay Example

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  • Pages: 6 (1469 words)
  • Published: May 18, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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By utilizing concept analysis, it is possible to define the clinical application of a concept that contains underlying assumptions.

This article utilizes the method of concept analysis to provide a logical and analytical approach to mental health nursing language. The goal is to identify and explain the concept of "self-sacrifice" in order to enhance nurses' comprehension of the term and promote awareness of mental health nursing practice. Concept analysis in nursing stems from the influence of John Wilson's book, Thinking With Concepts (1963), which aimed to popularize methods used by analytic philosophers in the mid-twentieth century. However, philosophers ceased using these methods by the time Lorraine Walker and Kay Avant published Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing (2005, first edition published in 1983).

The decline of concept analysis can be attributed to the rejection of its underlying assumptions by philosophers. Nurses were

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made aware of these arguments when Janice Morse (1995) and John Paley (1996) criticized the method used by Walker and Avant. Morse put forward suggestions for modifying the standard approach, while contemporary concept analysis publications tend to view alternative methods as equally valid, with preference being a matter of personal choice.

The field of nursing faces a dilemma regarding concept analysis, as the Wilson style previously used by philosophers is no longer considered valid due to flawed presuppositions. Despite recognizing these flaws, nurse scholars continue to utilize this method. To assess whether contemporary concept analysis methods are immune to critique, this essay evaluates philosophical objections towards conventional techniques and investigates suggested approaches by Rodgers and Morse. The objective is to distinguish between effective and ineffective techniques for analyzing concepts.

Examining the concept of "self-sacrifice" withi

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a mid-seventies mental health institution can positively reorient the process of concept analysis for nurse scholars. The film "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest," directed by Milos Forman, portrays rebellion and insubordination against oppressive bureaucracy and an insistence upon rights, self-expression, and freedom that align with baby boomer counter-culture movement. Nurse Mildred Ratched holds absolute power over patients' access to medication, privileges, and basic necessities as head administrative nurse. Patient Randle McMurphy challenges her dictatorial rule and encourages other patients to do the same despite Nurse Ratched's attempts at intimidation. Her final attempt is to threaten McMurphy by disclosing his transgression of bringing two prostitutes into the asylum to relieve Billy of his virginity.

Due to his fear of his mother being on par with his fear of Nurse Ratched, Billy takes his own life. This leads to McMurphy attacking Nurse Ratched in a fit of rage and attempting to strangle her. In response, Ratched orders McMurphy to be lobotomized. Later on, Chief Bromden performs a mercy killing by suffocating McMurphy.

After McMurphy was removed, the patients became independent from their controlling authority figure, who was left with a damaged vocal cord due to McMurphy's actions. By demonstrating this theme through self-sacrifice, McMurphy showed that patients can gain rights and freedoms by relying on themselves. The importance of individual self-reliance is emphasized. The Visual Thesaurus defines self-sacrifice as "selflessness," which involves taking high-risk or potentially fatal actions for the benefit of others. This powerful theme appears in various cultures, myths, and societies according to Wikipedia.

Various scenarios can display the notion of self-sacrifice, such as warfare where soldiers risk their lives for others' protection and welfare. Christianity,

especially Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, has a historical connection with the concept of self-sacrifice linked to sharing one's sufferings with Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Consequently, people may offer involuntary suffering like illness or voluntarily embrace suffering through acts of penance like fasting. By demonstrating selflessness or self-sacrifice, individuals can impact social relationships by exhibiting their devotion to family and friends. The more someone sacrifices for others without actual death involved, the more enriching their existence becomes.

The act of self-sacrifice, whether it is laying down one's life in battle, protesting, or fulfilling duties, is considered a brave and compassionate act towards humanity. This kind of sacrifice leads to the individual being remembered as a martyr for years to come. Self-sacrifice entails dedicating the body, mind, and spirit to serve both God and humankind. The highest form of self-sacrifice involves willingly giving up one's life during times of oppression and persecution; however, committing oneself entirely to divine purpose during periods of ease is also seen as an act of selflessness. Ultimately, self-sacrifice represents the most profound expression of love for others.

The concept of truth entails selflessness, as it surpasses one's individuality and ultimately results in the annihilation of the ego. Enduring hardship is not a mandatory aspect of selflessness, and if we interpret it that way, our comprehension of truth remains flawed.

Opting to give up oneself due to a profound love for actuality may result in joyfulness, particularly when sacrificing in the name of veracity. McMurphy embodies characteristics such as independence, self-governance, and sensuality that conflict with Nurse Ratched's controlled unit. His exultant chuckling catches other patients off guard since they have grown accustomed to suppressing

their emotions.

Contrary to popular belief, McMurphy's character in the novel is not insane but rather adept at manipulating the system for his benefit. Initially believing the hospital to be a more comfortable place than Pendleton Work Farm where he was serving his sentence, he soon discovered that Nurse Ratched held sway over him with the power to administer electroshock therapy and confine him indefinitely. The irony of this situation underscores how individuals who are mentally sound wield control over an institution originally designed for those suffering from mental illness. Irrespective of their mental state, patients under institutional care have no choice but to rely on their caretakers' mercy.

McMurphy's actions in the ward can be compared to those of Christ in the Gospels. Just as Christ sacrificed himself on the cross for humankind's redemption, McMurphy sacrifices himself for his fellow patients' benefit. This is exemplified through his baptism-like entrance into the ward, gathering followers as he rebels against Nurse Ratched, and leading when taking patients fishing. The ultimate sacrifice made by McMurphy - attacking Ratched- also bears heavy symbolism with references to a crown of thorns and the cross. Despite being a convict, McMurphy shows compassion towards his fellow inmates.

Nurse Ratched's personal values are doubtful, as she is capable of behaving like an "angel of mercy" while simultaneously enforcing the patients' submission through shameful tactics that target their vulnerabilities. Her authority is enforced via calculated applications of shame and guilt, as well as by dividing and conquering her patients. Instead of aiding them, Nurse Ratched keeps her patients in the shadows of their mental state.

It is commonly understood that the nursing profession is viewed as

unfulfilling, but the root of this problem goes beyond personal career satisfaction and relates to societal conflicts surrounding gender equality. The character Chief Bromden, a tall American-Indian who cannot speak, serves as a symbol for societal change throughout the story Borderline Case. Although Chief Bromden's perceptions may not be entirely accurate, he serves as the narrator of the story. Initially, he is the only objective listener to McMurphy's teachings, but eventually joins in the protest against Nurse Ratched to save his fellow patients.

The fog machine and Air Raids are hallucinations experienced by Chief Bromden. These symbols represent his mental clarity which appears when he is less stable and diminishes with more coherence. However, after Chief Bromden decides to join the other men in protest of Nurse Ratched, his hallucinations of the fog machine vanish completely. In the end, McMurphy undergoes lobotomy, which Bromden finds unbearable to witness, so he suffocates him with a pillow to end his suffering.

After being told he had to leave, Bromden escapes by throwing the control panel through the window. Nurse Ratched achieves a victory, but McMurphy's martyrdom ultimately leads to triumph. McMurphy empowers Bromden to make independent choices for himself. The history of nursing is connected to military and religious contexts that prioritize self-sacrifice.

While altruism is admirable, nurses must avoid giving their all to others to prevent burnout or injury. Nurse Ratched, despite her negative image for the profession, highlights the importance of nursing. Had she truly prioritized her patients' well-being, a different therapeutic approach may have resulted in improved mental conditions. Unfortunately, the fear and guilt Ratched imposed upon her patients only served to keep them locked

in their mental state.

Compassion and self-sacrifice are crucial weapons for nurses. Suggestions for research involve utilizing self-sacrifice as a tool to measure nurses' commitment and devotion. Objective measures should be developed to enhance healthcare by training compassionate and selfless nurses. Yet, self-sacrifice can be harmful when nurses overlook their well-being, hindering the quality of service provided. Therefore, new methods must be created to teach nurses how to balance self-sacrifice and self-care.

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