Sociology is the study of human social behavior, communities and society. It involves the evolution of society and human behavior and it focuses on how society can change human behavior based on interaction with each other (Bennett, B., 2009 p.2). Nursing is a health care profession which concentrates in supporting individuals, their families, and societies as a whole in preserving, attaining and improving best possible health and functioning (Kozier, et al., 2010 pp. 8-9). Sociological knowledge plays a dynamic and elementary role within nursing profession. Besides medical knowledge a nurse needs to be socially aware of a client’s social values. In today’s society, nursing goes further than focusing on health related problems to incorporate a much wider definition of both unhealthiness and individuality in our society. Sociology provides us with the information on the nature of health and sickness, details of the social causes of diseases and loss of life. It also helps directly or indirectly to produce an insightful practitioner, which then becomes proficient in informed decision making. In this assignment I will discuss how sociological concepts, such as Interactionist theory, Conflict theory, and Feminist theory helps nurses to gain the knowledge that they use to follow their professional ethics.
Interactionist theory involves studying human behavior based on human interaction in society and how that interaction shapes human beings and society (Bennett, B., 2009 p. 34). Nurses are significantly involved in giving rationale to life, sickness and death. Sociology allows nurses to inquire the morals and viewpoint of their professional and the organizational environment. They get the required insight by using Interactionist Theory as it helps nurses in understanding society based on human beings interaction with each other on daily basis (Bennett, B., 2009). In relations to the Interactionist theory, nurses are always interacting with clients who are sick and are recovering from sickness. Nurses play an active role in development, performance, and assessment of client’s health. They use nursing process which is described as a problem-solving structure for planning and providing care to patients and their families (Kozier, et al., 2010 p. 413). The interactions between nurses and clients help nurses in assessing the clients’ needs and problems and further helps nurses to formulate a plan for clients’ well being. They are able to set out realistic and achievable targets to remove or reduce problems as the interactions help them in better understanding the client’s needs. Additionally, they utilize intervention methods that are based on studies in order to enhance complete care (Kozier, et al., 2010 p.200). Studying sociology allows nurses to learn more about the cultural influences and backgrounds of patients thereby enabling them to present a more holistic approach to their care planning. Above example of Interactionist theory help nurses...
