Individen bakom sjukdomen
PatientPersonlig identitetSjukdomSjuksköterskaSocial identitet.DiseaseNursePatientPersonal identitySocial identity
Identity includes an individual´s self-image and the consciousness about their self. It is about being the same person despite changes in their life situation. The identity often get´s fragile because of the disease. Beacuse of the individual´s feeling of lost identity there may arise a conflict between the person and people in his or her surroundings. They may no longer see the sick person in the same way as they used to. The purpose of this study was to highlight how disease in everyday life and admission to a hospital affects the identity. The study was carried out as a litterature based study. There were especially two categories that were important, the social dimension of identity and the personal dimension of identity. The personal identity is mostly related to the fact that the person is admitted to hospital and the concept of autonomy, integrity, dignity and empowerment. The social identity is more about the relationship to family, friends and colleagues, but it is also related to the nurse-¬¬¬¬¬patient relationship. The different parts of identity in relation to itself and to others do have a common influence. A large part of the personal freedom is deprived during a stay in the hospital. It is important that the nurse pays attention to the patient´s individual personality and habits. This will make that person feel well respected and it will also make it easier for the individual to maintain his or her identity. It is important to highlight how disease affects the identity, both in the nurseprofession and in the education to become a nurse. More research in the areas identity and caring is needed.