The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing

Since the advent of modern nursing in the time of Florence Nightingale, nurses have encountered suffering as an inevitable component of caring for patients of all ages. This book beautifully explores the many facets of human suffering in the context of physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential perspectives beginning in the perinatal period and continuing throughout the lifespan. It provides practical guidance for nurses on how to approach patients and their loved ones, including siblings and parents in the realm of pediatric suffering. The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing tenderly and poignantly addresses human suffering as nurses uniquely face it today. It is a must read for every nurse. * Vanessa Battista, DNP, MBA, RN, MS, CPNP-PC, CHPPN, FPCN, Senior Nursing Director of Palliative Care and Fellowship Director of Palliative Care Adult Nurse Practitioner Fellowship, Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute * This contemporary and updated exploration of suffering exposes morally unjust disparities among marginalized and disenfranchised groups that characterize the global burden of suffering. Drs. Rosa and Ferrell call for an equitable health and social care system that supports nurses to fulfill their duty to care for patients with serious health-related suffering. Every nurse can benefit from the expert recommendations that build confidence and understanding of how to respond to suffering. * Pamela Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President, International Council of Nurses * Suffering is part of the human condition and has been discussed since the beginning of civilization. Nurses commonly bear witness to anguish and distress, often suffering vicariously. This inspiring text forces us to reflect on how we frame our emotions and actions in the professional practice experience. As we process the devastating impact of a global pandemic, such conversation and dialogue on suffering could not be more timely. * Patricia M. Davidson, RN, PhD, Vice Chancellor and President, University of Wollongong and Dean Emerita, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing * This textbook is a gift to all nurses. Acknowledging the depth and breadth of human suffering that nurses encounter in our professional roles reaffirms our dedication to caring for the whole person. * Lynn F. Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN, Presidential Endowed Chair for Palliative and End of Life Care, College of Nursing, University of Utah * This book is extremely useful across borders and cultures to care for individuals in suffering because, although the world and context in which we live may be different, the nature of suffering and the elements necessary for its care are universal. * Sayaka Takenouchi, RN, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing Ethics, Division of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University *