Nurses experienced in the art and science of palliative nursing will find many elements of congruence between the principles and philosophy of palliative practice and the theory of human becoming. In this brief exploration of parallels in practice between Parse’s theory of human becoming and traditional palliative and hospice nursing practice, the author suggests that the theory of human becoming is consistent and consonant with the values that shape palliative nursing practice. The theory is briefly described, and four parallels of practice are identified: whole person care; the presence of paradox in human experience; primacy of the person; and presence and dialogue, or “being with,” dying persons. The theory of human becoming holds relevance and promise in its capacity to provide palliative and hospice nurses with a theoretical framework with which to inform and guide nursing practice with dying persons.
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