NUR124 Theory In Nursing

The science of philosophy is based on the foundations, implication sand assumptions of science and encompasses several elements related to scientific inquiry. It helps in gaining a sound understanding of the surrounding world, thereby helping unravel the relationship between truth and science (Brykczynski, 2013). My philosophy of nursing highlights my feelings regarding the profession and extends beyond the daily beliefs that help me in delivering holistic healthcare services at all situations. My belief on nursing philosophy is based on the analytic approach that focuses on use of logical and rational approaches and searches for a single truth. It is based on my belief that holds a particular statement meaningful only when it is proven true, through scientific experience.

The nursing practice is subjected to making judgments and assumptions about patients and their relationship with family members. Nursing practice requires us to work collaboratively with the healthcare team for improving the overall health and wellbeing of the patients. However, presence of preconceived notions and prejudices about coworkers and clients belonging to diverse linguistic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds result in conflicts in practice. My view is based on providing equal treatment facilities to all patients and interacting with the team members regardless of their backgrounds (Alligood, 2014). Thus, demonstrating dignity and respect towards them and acting in a nonjudgmental manner forms the foundation of my nursing philosophy.

Epistemology refers to the branch of philosophy that deals with theory of knowledge. Nursing epistemology illustrates the study of knowledge that is shared among all nursing staff, the criteria used for accepting the claims of nursing knowledge and the pattern of learning the knowledge that develops in the process (Munhall, 2012). Therefore, nursing epistemology can be defined as the way that involves critical comprehension of nursing knowledge for practice and development. It serves as the foundation that helps in organizing and delineating nursing knowledge.

Nursing epistemologically is characterized by the presence of practical knowledge that includes reflective practice and brings about professional action in an implicit and personal manner. Objective confrontations with reality are essential for driving decision making during delivery of holistic healthcare services (Gimenez, 2012). Among all epistemological traditions, effective encounters between caregivers such as nurses and the health service users, people with values and beliefs. Thus, it helps us to reflect on our values and influences our practice.

The term discipline in nursing can be defined as the moulding or training of the character and the mind for bringing about desired health outcomes and behaviours. Thus, discipline most commonly refers to working in adherence to accordance to a set of specific nursing regulations, rules, and customs, generally implicit or written (Butts, Rich & Fawcett, 2012). Nursing, in the form of a discipline has therefore set forward the explicit desire that is directed towards serving the public. It helps in determining the commitment towards the profession, thereby ensuring overall health and wellbeing of the clients.

The term profession suggests that nursing remains focused on the healthcare sector and emphasizes on caring of clients, families, and the community, with the aim of providing optimal health and good quality of life (Hoeve, Jansen & Roodbol, 2014). Its importance lies in the fact that nurses are the most trusted healthcare professionals who contribute to medical advances by ensuring optimal care.

Empirical nursing research forms the basis of nursing knowledge. The early conceptions of nursing knowledge focused on a holistic view of healing. In older times, nurses used to address the importance of recording and observation for bringing a sense of virtue while caring for the sick (Chinn & Kramer, 2013). Lack of formal education made nurses learn their practice through oral traditions. However, the profession received much attention due to Florence Nightingale who learnt basic information about patient care and laid the foundation of nursing as a profession (Lee, Clark & Thompson, 2013). Her successful work in the army, meticulous notes and careful observations placed emphasis on the education of nurses.

References

Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work. Elsevier Health Sciences, 223-259.

Brykczynski, K. A. (2013). Benner’s philosophy in nursing practice. Nursing Theory-E-Book: Utilization & Application, 118.

Butts, J. B., Rich, K. L., & Fawcett, J. (2012). The future of nursing: How important is discipline-specific knowledge? A conversation with Jacqueline Fawcett. Nursing science quarterly, 25(2), 151-154.

Chinn, P. L., & Kramer, M. K. (2013). Integrated Theory & Knowledge Development in Nursing-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences, 24-58.

Gimenez, J. (2012). Disciplinary epistemologies, generic attributes and undergraduate academic writing in nursing and midwifery. Higher Education, 63(4), 401-419.

Hoeve, Y. T., Jansen, G., & Roodbol, P. (2014). The nursing profession: public image, self?concept and professional identity. A discussion paper. Journal of advanced nursing, 70(2), 295-309.

Lee, G., Clark, A. M., & Thompson, D. R. (2013). Florence Nightingale–never more relevant than today. Journal of advanced nursing, 69(2), 245-246.

Munhall, P. L. (2012). Epistemology in nursing. PA Munhall (Ed.), Nursing research: A qualitative perspective, 69-94.