How to Use Metaphors in Nurse Education

Using metaphors in nursing education is a newly emerging idea. The paradigm of nursing is changing, and a new emphasis is being placed on considering not just the physical elements of a patient such as their blood pressure or pulse, but also the metaphysical elements like their energy and soul. Teaching nurses to think of a man not just as a body, but also as an intangible force, can be quite difficult as nurses are commonly taught to think clinically and concretely. However, the field of nursing is, in some people's eyes, entering a period of enlightening. Proponents of this method argue that it can lead them to a new dimension of caring and compassion from which their patients can greatly benefit.

Instructions

• 1

  Teach students to view healing as a wave from the sea. Just as waves of ocean water wash up and clear away marks on the sand, healing should be a renewing experience in which old metaphysical scars are removed and the patient is left renewed.

• 2

  Explore the history of the "evil eye." In much of Western Europe, the concept of the "evil eye" as a metaphoric source of ills is still believed by many, reports I. Kalofissudis, the author of the editorial "Evil Eye, Creative Metaphors and the Postmodern Nursing Paradigm." Discuss the concept of the evil eye with your students and reach a consensus regarding your beliefs on the subject as a group.

• 3

  Consider intuitive practices. People speak daily of intuitive feels that lead them to take a certain path. Consider incidents of intuitiveness such as gut feelings, sixth sense, common sense, and hunches. Discuss with nursing students that, while it is important to seek medical confirmations, intuition can commonly lead you in the right direction if you give in to its prodding.

• 4

  Recognize the belief held by some that nursing is far too scientific and fails to take into consideration the metaphysical forces at play. As Kalofissudis lays out in her report, there are those who see clinical terms like objectivity and measurement as negative terms which are insensitive and ignore the abstract elements at play. Be aware of the fact that some individuals hold this belief as it may impact their attitude towards you as a care provider.

• 5

  Explore lucky charms. Commonly medical professionals will seek the aid of lucky charms. Certain surgeons, for example, only like to wear a particular hat while they operate. Discuss with students how these objects are metaphoric representations of the professional's previous success. Some people believe that these fetish objects, as they are commonly called, are instrumental in future success.

• 6

  Discuss ways in which nurses can be sensitive to the metaphysical needs of patients while still performing their duties. All too often, nurses are given the false impression that they need to be serious and astute scientists. Nurses should be caregivers first. Encourage your nurses to consider the patients as a whole being, not just a body with vital signs. Remind them that there can be benefits to helping patients through their metaphysical struggles as they are trying to return the patient to a full-body wellness, and that will be impossible if their spiritual needs are ignored.