Nursing Knowledge, Theory and Caring - Intro to Profession in Nursing

Carpers 4 fundamental patterns of knowing

Empirical- What do we know? (science, evidence, observation)

Personal- What do I bring? (self-awareness, relationship, presence)

Ethical- What would we do? (values, responsibility, right action)

Aesthetic- What does this situation mean? (interpretation, the art of nursing, intuition)

Emancipatory knowing

Advocating for equity, justice, and dignity

Theory

Helps organize ideas and can influence what nurses notice, ask, understand and do

Nursing theory can inform practice, education and research

-Gives us a lens

Grand vs Middle-Range Nursing Theories

Grand: Broad perspective

ex. Nightingale environmental theory, adaptation model, theory of human caring

Middle-Range: More focused addressing phenomena relevant to nursing practice

ex. Health Promotion model, chronic sorrow, uncertainty in illness theory

Theory of Chronic Sorrow

Recurring feelings of grief experienced by individuals or groups living with an ongoing loss or significant life challenge

Triggers may include: birthdays, changes in health, seeing peers reach milestones

In nursing: recognize and normalize this experience. Assess coping and support needs

Expressive vs Instrumental Caring

Expressive- How you are with people (presence, listening, empathy, relationship

Instrumental- Knowledge, skill, action, comfort, safety, assessment

Profession vs Discipline vs Science

Profession: More practical, applies knowledge to serve the community.

Discipline: Branch of knowledge with the purpose of research, development, and theory. Ensures a holistic approach to care.

Science: Provides an evidence-based foundation for practice

Critical vs Constructivist Perspective

Critical: What systems, assumptions, or power relationships might shape what is happening?

Constructivist: How people make meaning of their experiences

Critical Social Theories (4)

Feminist Theory: Examines gender, power, assumptions and inequality shapes who is heard and who has power

Postcolonial and decolonizing perspectives: How colonial history and power structures shape healthcare

Post Structuralism: How language, labels and ideas shape what is understood as reality

Intersectionality: People’s experiences are shaped by multiple identities and systems operating together

Nursing metaparadigms (4 concepts)

Person: The patient and their personal circumstances

Environment: What may influence her health, including accessibility

Health: What health means to the patient

Nursing: What the nurse can contribute and who/what else they can bring in to support

How concepts go into practice

Nursing metaparadigm > Grand Theory > Middle Range Theory > Practice