‘A NURSE I AM’ (YouTube: https://youtu.be/I-xsf8oZxAU )
Status and Roles (answer both)
● What was the status of nurses in the film (were they respected)?
● What roles do the nurses play in the healthcare setting/system for their patients?
Relationships with Patient and Families (answer both)
● How do the nurses establish rapport with their patients and their patients’ families?
● How do the nurse’s individual characteristics serve the patient population he or she works with?
Reflection (select three questions to address)
● What is one aspect of the nursing profession that you learned about or had not considered before watching the film?
● What particular actions or interactions between nurses and patients in the film stand out in your mind? Why?
● What were some comments made either by the narrator or the nurses themselves that struck a chord with you? Why?
● What is one quality a nurse(s) in the film possessed that you plan to emulate in your own nursing career?
● What ethical or spiritual issues, if any, did the nurses and physicians face in the film?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The documentary film ‘A NURSE I AM’ sheds light on the status, roles, relationships with patients and families, and reflection of nurses in the healthcare setting. Through its portrayal of real-life nurses, the film provides valuable insights into the nursing profession and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. This essay will explore these aspects, providing a deeper understanding of the film’s themes and messages.
In terms of the status of nurses in the film, it is clear that they are highly respected. The film showcases the dedication, compassion, and expertise of nurses, highlighting their critical role in patient care. Nurses are portrayed as essential members of the healthcare team, providing hands-on care, advocating for patients’ needs, and displaying professionalism in their interactions with colleagues and patients alike.
The roles that nurses play in the healthcare setting are multi-faceted and vital. They are responsible for assessing patients’ conditions, developing care plans, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. Nurses act as advocates for their patients, ensuring they receive appropriate care and treatment. They collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and holistic care. Furthermore, nurses educate patients and their families on managing their health conditions and promote preventive measures to enhance overall well-being.
In establishing rapport with patients and their families, nurses employ various strategies. They demonstrate empathy, active listening, and respect for patients’ autonomy. Nurses take the time to understand patients’ concerns, fears, and preferences to tailor their care accordingly. They also involve patients’ families in the care process, recognizing the importance of their support and involvement in promoting positive outcomes.
The individual characteristics of nurses greatly influence their ability to serve the patient population they work with. Compassion, patience, and cultural sensitivity are essential traits that enable nurses to provide person-centered care. Nurses who possess effective communication skills can establish trust and foster therapeutic relationships with their patients. Additionally, nurses who are knowledgeable, adaptable, and resilient can navigate complex healthcare environments and deliver high-quality care even in challenging situations.
One aspect of the nursing profession that stands out after watching the film is the significant impact that nurses have on patients’ lives. The film portrays how nurses go above and beyond their duties to provide emotional support to patients, often becoming a source of strength during challenging times. This aspect highlights the holistic nature of nursing care and the importance of addressing patients’ physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Several actions and interactions between nurses and patients stand out in my mind after watching the film. One such instance is when a nurse takes the time to sit down with a patient and engage in a meaningful conversation about their fears and concerns. This interaction demonstrates the nurse’s dedication to understanding the patient’s perspective and providing emotional support. Another memorable interaction is when a nurse uses her creativity to distract a child during a painful procedure, showcasing the nurse’s ability to alleviate anxiety and create a positive experience for the patient.
Throughout the film, there were several comments made by both the narrator and the nurses themselves that struck a chord with me. One such comment was when a nurse mentioned that being present for a patient during their most vulnerable moments is a privilege. This statement resonated with me as it reminded me of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a nurse. Another impactful comment was when a nurse expressed how she sees every patient as somebody’s mother or father, reinforcing the importance of treating each patient with dignity and respect.
One quality possessed by the nurses in the film that I plan to emulate in my own nursing career is their unwavering commitment to patient advocacy. The film showcases numerous instances where nurses advocate for their patients’ needs, ensuring they receive appropriate care and treatment. This commitment to patient advocacy is something I aspire to embody as a nurse, as I believe it is crucial to prioritize patients’ well-being and act as their voice in the healthcare system.
In terms of ethical and spiritual issues faced by nurses and physicians in the film, there were instances where difficult decisions had to be made regarding end-of-life care and resuscitation. These situations raised ethical dilemmas surrounding autonomy, beneficence, and patient preferences. Additionally, spiritual issues were explored through discussions about providing comfort and support to patients in their final moments.
In conclusion, ‘A NURSE I AM’ offers valuable insights into the status, roles, relationships with patients and families, and reflection of nurses in the healthcare setting. The film highlights the respected position of nurses and their indispensable contributions to patient care. Through their roles as caregivers, advocates, educators, and emotional supporters, nurses play a vital role in promoting positive patient outcomes. The film also underscores the importance of establishing rapport with patients and their families while acknowledging the impact of individual nurse characteristics on patient care. Overall, ‘A NURSE I AM’ serves as an inspiring testament to the dedication and compassion of nurses around the world.
