The Use of Esthetics in Nursing Practice and Education in the 21st Century: The Context of Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is a multi ethnic and culturally diverse country in Asia. In Indonesia, modern nursing
has evolved since the colonization era of 1900s. Nursing has developed from a basic non-formal training
to a formal university based education. This paper aims to explore and discuss the cultural perspectives
on esthetics in nursing practice and education in the context of Indonesian nursing. A narrative review
was carried out based on the available literature that could be accessed. Data source triangulation by
comparing and contrasting various sources were conducted to assure validity and completeness of the data.
Esthetics nursing has been integrated in the nursing curriculum. Nursing students developed sense of art
through students’ activities such as music, dance, choir, and performance clubs. Learning from people and
environment were also facilitated by exposing students to the villagers. It was organized multidiciplinnary
across study programs that available in the University. Providing culturally appropiate, individual approach,
and patient center care are model of care that nurses practice to ensure the implementation of esthetics in
nursing practice. Understanding esthetic aspect of nursing is necessary attribute of good nursing practice.