Jose Rizal and Nursing

Nursing students might question why an entire course is dedicated to Jose Rizal, a 19th-century polymath, when their focus is on anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical skills. However, Rizal's commitment to holistic healing and social justice forms a fundamental connection to the nursing profession.

Rizal was a pioneering public health advocate. Through his writings, he diagnosed the 'social cancer' affecting the Philippines, understanding that physical ailments cannot be treated without addressing environmental and political factors. This aligns with modern concepts of determinants of health and Nightingale's theory emphasizing the environment's role in healing.

Rizal's medical practice in Dapitan showcased early applications of evidence-based practice, characterized by meticulous documentation and surgical techniques vital for patient safety. He embodied the ethical principles of beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest) and justice (equitable care), treating the poor for free and improving public health infrastructure like water systems.

Rizal, a man of science and a member of international scientific circles, emphasizes the nursing profession's foundation in research. He serves as a reminder for nurses to be lifelong learners and researchers, contributing to knowledge and enlightenment as a path to liberation.

Rizal's life reflects Maslow's hierarchy of needs, as he championed the physiological and safety needs of his countrymen for them to achieve self-actualization. Future nurses, as primary caregivers and advocates, will manage these needs for their patients, fulfilling the roles described in the nursing code of ethics.

Studying Rizal is not merely a legislative requirement but an exercise in developing a 'nursing heart,' teaching that a nurse's duty extends beyond the bedside. Like Rizal, nurses are called to be agents of change, critical thinkers, and compassionate healers for both individuals and society. The video encourages viewing Rizal not just as a historical hero but as a fellow healthcare professional who believed national health begins with the dignity of its people.