Title : Is florence Nightingale’s lamp shining on gynecologic cancers?
Abstract:
Florence Nightingale’s environment theory is the foundation of all nursing care and can be applied to raising awareness and increase early detection of gynecologic cancers. Her theory is based on the importance of allowing nature to heal by keeping the environment in a healthy balance. She taught the equality of all humans, despite gender, political, social, or economic differences. She urged nurses to accurately observe their patients (body language, questions, conversations, (health and family history).
Today, the nurse is encouraged to discuss her observations with the physician, develop a plan of care, and involve the patient in developing an understanding or awareness, and assist in implementing any necessary changes.
One of the greatest challenges of modern nursing is to educate women about their bodies, especially in the region of their abdomens. When nurses have an honest and open relationship with their patients, an environment is created for an honest and open conversation about the woman’s private parts. This is the precious area where all life begins, but it is also where cancer can start.
Health, according to Florence, is defined as the ability of individuals to properly use all their skills and competencies in the perspective of caring for themselves and others.
Florence Nightingale was concerned with health education. She taught students to consider cultural and religious differences. Today, we must do the same, by being respectful of the values, needs and concerns of all individuals.
Is Florence’s lamp of light shining equally on knowledge, research, and understanding of gynecologic cancers? Are nurses receiving adequate education about the gynecologic cancers? What are the statistics of diagnoses and deaths from any one of the gynecologic cancers? Is there inequality of research funds for these cancers compared to prostate, penile, and testicular cancers for men?
It is time to bring more awareness and understanding of the pelvic/reproductive organs for cancer awareness and screenings. As nurses we need to be taught about gynecologic cancers, so we can then teach women about the risk factors and symptoms of gynecologic cancers. With such knowledge, diagnoses might be made earlier for better survival. Knowledge helps to remove fear.
Audience Take Away Notes:
1. Explore and understand the teachings of Florence Nightingale
2. The attendee will identify the six types of gynecologic cancers, including symptoms, risk factors, and statistics
3. The attendee will learn methods of teaching women about the gynecologic areas of their bodies
