Foundations of Nursing - Human Growth and Development

Foundations of Professional Nursing

  • Overview of key areas in nursing related to human growth and development, inclusion, equity, and diversity.

Student Learning Objectives

  • Discuss indicators of cognitive and psychosocial development.
  • Explore personal and environmental factors influencing developmental tasks.
  • Understand diversity, cultural awareness, and cultural competence.
  • Discuss health disparities and their implications.
  • Describe the nursing role and responsibilities in providing care.

Stages of Human Development

  • Prenatal Development: Begins at conception, marking the start of growth.
  • Developmental Stages: Newborn > Infancy > Childhood > Adolescence > Adulthood > Late Adulthood.
    • Continuous growth with periods of rapid development and slower growth.
    • Range of motor skills: from gross motor (large muscle) to fine motor (refined movements).

Toddlerhood and Adolescence

  • Toddlerhood (12 months - 36 months): Significant growth in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
  • Adolescence (Onset of sexual maturity to end of growth):
    • Rapid growth physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
    • Full physical development by age 20 with brain development continuing until age 25.
    • Climacteric: Change of life in both genders.
    • Menopause in Females: Cessation of menstrual cycles with symptoms such as sleep disorders, weight gain, mood changes, and hot flashes.

Late Adulthood

  • Individuals over 65 are the fastest growing demographic in the U.S.
  • Health promotion strategies focus on maintaining functional capacity, self-care, and social networks to enhance independence and quality of life.

Growth & Development Theories

  • Freud's Psychosexual Development:
    • Personality shaped by successful navigation through five stages (oral, anal, phallic, latent, genital).
  • Erikson’s Psychosocial Development:
    • Eight stages with crises that influence psychosocial growth.
  • Kohlberg’s Moral Development:
    • Progression of moral reasoning throughout life based on logical thinking.
  • Piaget’s Cognitive Development:
    • Focuses on how knowledge and cognition develop over time.

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

  1. Infancy (0-2 yrs): Trust vs Mistrust
    • Development of trust in caregivers.
  2. Early Childhood (2-4 yrs): Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt
    • Encouragement leads to independence.
  3. Preschool Age (4-5 yrs): Initiative vs Guilt
    • Initiative taken in play and exploration fosters leadership.
  4. School Age (5-12 yrs): Industry vs Inferiority
    • Mastering skills leads to competence and confidence.
  5. Adolescence (13-19 yrs): Identity vs Role Confusion
    • Establishing personal identity and self-concept.
  6. Young Adulthood (20-40 yrs): Intimacy vs Isolation
    • Forming intimate relationships vs feeling isolated.
  7. Middle Adulthood (40-65 yrs): Generativity vs Stagnation
    • Contributing to society and helping the next generation.
  8. Maturity (65+ yrs): Ego Integrity vs Despair
    • Reflection on life leads to wisdom or regret.

Cultural Diversity and Competence

  • Cultural Definitions:
    • Shared beliefs, values, and behaviors.
    • Influences interactions within families and communities.
    • Components include race, ethnicity, social structures, and values.
  • Cultural Competence in Nursing:
    • Understanding and respecting diverse cultural influences and practices.
    • Awareness of explicit vs implicit biases and their effects on care.
    • Ensuring equitable healthcare access for all.
  • Vulnerable Populations:
    • Groups such as immigrants, older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with chronic illnesses face higher health disparities.

Health Disparities and Vulnerable Populations

  • Health Equity: Attaining high health level for all.
  • Health Equality: Providing equal distribution of resources.
  • Health Disparities: Varying outcomes based on socioeconomic factors.
  • Impacted Groups: Immigrants, ethnic minorities, the elderly, etc.

Cultural Assessment in Nursing

  • Purpose: To collect essential cultural data that influences health care.
  • Methods: Use certified interpreters for communication to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Tools: Structured assessments to gather culture-specific information.
  • Goal: To provide holistic and culturally competent care.

Nursing Roles and Responsibilities

  • Effective Communication: Use open-ended questions, paraphrase, and understand cultural non-verbal behaviors.
  • Active Listening: Key to understanding client needs and cultural considerations.
  • Cultural Nuances: Be aware of personal biases affecting care delivery.
  • Aim: Ensure culturally competent, respectful health care access.