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Perspective is defined as a specific way of viewing a situation based on one's own experience and personality; considering relationships so as to view something with accuracy and justice; viewing something in context to gain an understanding of it (Cambridge Academic Dictionary, 2014). This definition supports the idea that each individual's perspective or viewpoint is unique, shaped by cultural heritage, upbringing, education, and life experiences. In turn, perspective influences how we consider things in relation to one another, how we understand the specific as part of a whole, and how we reach conclusions accurately and fairly.
As nurses, our perspectives are also shaped by enculturation into the profession, our professional values and philosophy, and the unique position we hold in the lives of those for whom we care. Our perspectives on ourselves, our clients, and our profession vary depending on our own personal experiences and personalities and provide the basis for our ability to make nursing judgments that are accurate and fair, with understanding of the complete situation.
As nurses, we also know that our clients' perspectives are shaped...