Caring For The Human Body - 1748 Words

Holistic care is being concerned about a complete system, rather than individual parts (Webster, 2014). Because this type of medical care does not focus on a single specialized area, many factors must be taken into consideration. Caring for the human body requires caring for it as a whole; this includes the body, the mind and inevitably, the spirit. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization includes spiritual well-being (Potter Perry, 2013). Although it is assumed that our basic physiological needs are the most important, some would argue that without spiritual health, a positive outlook, support from loved ones, and freedom from personal harm, holistic care would cease to exist (Fortinash Worret, 2013). When†¦show more content†¦Impact of the Issue There are multiple circumstances surrounding Death with Dignity. Throughout most of our education; nurses and all other healthcare workers are taught to practice nonmaleficence, an ethical principle that means to do no harm (Cherry Jacob, 2014). To medically assist a patient in death seems to contradict everything we are taught about medical practice and this particular ethical standard. There are treatment facilities for those who merely threaten suicide. Those at risk for suicide in the hospital setting are protected by the National Patient Safety Goals (Cherry Jacob, 2014), but physicians are now allowed to medically assist someone in death? No Federal Laws are in place for Death with Dignity because it is governed at the state level. As of 2011, only three states had death with dignity laws (Friend, 2011); Oregon was the first. This number has since been on the rise according to the blog that caught national attention about a young lady by the name of Brittany Maynard. Brittany Maynard, a 29 year old suffering from Glioblastoma Multiform, decided to end her own life. She openly wanted to share her story and advocate for patients in other states who desire to die with dignity. The article that went viral via Facebook was enough to catch national media attention. Brittany was once a resident of California,