Trust

Trust

Trust is a ubiquitous term that is used in a variety of settings and applications. The concept of trust applies to every facet of existence, whether it is through personal relationships, business matters, religious affiliation or professionalism. Trust is described as an “elusive” concept due to its astounding multitude of meanings (Gambetta, 1988). To provide a glimpse into the array of connotations used to define the term trust, I will include five interpretations and uses in the paragraphs following. Each paragraph will attempt to define the term and place it into the context upon which it is most commonly applied. Lastly, I will discuss the importance of trust in the profession of nursing.

The first definition of trust that I will discuss is from a Christian perspective. As a Christian, one is taught that “God’s plan is for us to trust completely in Him for all our needs” (Trust definition-A Christian Perspective, n.d.). From the perspective of a Christian, trust means that confidence is placed in God that all daily needs will be satisfied. There are many words in the Holy Scriptures that can be translated to the term trust. Examples of scriptural words include: “kacah (to take refuge in), elpizo (to expect, or confide in), pietho (to convince), and pisteuo (to have faith in)” (Blank, W., n.d.). The theme throughout the Scripture revolves around the promises made by God to all who place their trust in Him.

Trust may also be defined as, “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something” (Merriam-Webster, 2012). Trust used in the context of this definition provides the foundation for a therapeutic relationship between two or more individuals, both in the complex world we live in and in the nursing profession. Trust, based on this definition, contains four characteristics that attribute to its meaning. These defining attributes include: “expectation of competence, goodwill of others,...