Concepts That Are Central to Practice Nursing

There are basic concepts of nursing that are considered essential before practicing as a nurse. These core concepts form the foundation upon which a nurse interacts and provides treatment for patients. Learning and implementing these core concepts in every aspect of nursing is medically and ethically required for anyone hoping to pursue a career as a nurse.

People

• One of the primary concerns of a nurse should be understanding her patients as people first. This is one of the fundamental concepts behind treating the patient as well as the disease and includes such ideas as a patient's behavior, culture and needs.

Health

• The concept of health includes a well-rounded approach to treating a patient's illness through not only medical means, but by helping to establish wellness and coping skills with patients, such as managing the stress that often accompanies illness, and working with patients to help them establish routines and habits that can help prevent stress. This includes effective methods of self-care.

Environment

• Being aware of environment stresses the importance of providing family, cultural and social support in addition to traditional health-care systems. Environment focuses on the patient's physical, psychological and spiritual needs as they relate to health.

Nursing

• Nursing itself is taking all of the above concepts and putting them in motion. In addition, it includes establishing trust and confidence, practicing confidentiality, and compassion and empathy--all of which can be used in the above concepts.