1. Is nursing a science or an art, or both? Explain your answer.
I believe that nursing is both an art and a science. Nursing is a key component of healthcare, and science
helps to explain what a nurse does, while art addresses the human connections, sympathetic communication, and
focused care and compassion that make nursing so important. Caring for others relies heavily on the professional
nurse's ability to communicate effectively with their patients. As a diverse profession, nursing requires that science
be used with the patient's best interests at the forefront of every decision.
2. In your own words, define the following terms (McEwen & Wills, 2019).
Ontology- the examination of existence or the structure of reality
Extant - In the present or real state of being
Epistemology - the investigation or formulation of a theory about the nature and foundations of knowledge,
particularly with regard to its boundaries and validity
Empiricism- A mode of thinking in philosophy that places importance on observation, sensory perception,
and experience as sources of knowledge. Empiricism is based on the idea that what you see and hear is
what is real. To prove this, you need to use scientific methods.
Positivism is a theory that holds that all legitimate knowledge is scientific knowledge, while empiricism is a
philosophy that holds that all information comes from sense experience.
Logical positivism- a philosophical theory that asserts all significant truths are analytic, quantitative, or at
least confirmable by observation and experiment.
Post positivism - A researcher cannot be an impartial observer of the social world, as post positivism
opposes. Post positivists claim that a researcher's opinions and even identity shape what they see and hence
what they conclude. Post positivism seeks objective answers by recognizing and working with the ideas
and knowledge developed by theorists.
Received view- Rationalism and empiricism
Perceived view – Human science/phenomenology a modern philosophical approach, has brought new and
vital attention to human subjectivity. Because humans may consciously relate to world objects, awareness
creates non-cause-effect links to things and people.
Paradigm- a set of principles regarding how something should be conceptualized, created, or completed.
3. The metaparadigm of nursing generally is defined by the following 4 concepts: person, environment,
health, and nursing. Do you agree with this global representation of nursing? Why or why not?
Would you add any other components or sub-components?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” (Holy
Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Colossians 3:23). A metaparadigm is a collection of beliefs or
concepts that establishes a framework for how a discipline should operate in order to be effective. Fawcett was the
first to categorize nursing metaparadigms into four distinct categories: person, environment, health, and nursing in
1984 (McEwen & Wills, 2019). These four fundamental nursing metaparadigms emphasize the fact that the holistic
care of a patient and their scientific care are intertwined within the four principles. I agree with these 4 general
concepts of nursing. The nursing field is characterized by interdependent, diverse connections that shape the way
individuals’ function in their environmental and healthcare settings. This diversity forms the foundation for nursing
research in order to produce both positive health outcomes and information that will allow for future reflective
learning in the field. Increased study into the epistemology of the nursing practice will be advantageous to both
nursing and scientific knowledge. It will aid in defining the nursing discipline's unique contribution to holistic health
and service delivery (Hoeck & Delmar, 2018). I believe the Bible should be treated as the primary standard of care
for all patients. Every aspect of nursing is founded on the principles of morality and honesty. The concept that we
should be compassionate individuals lies at the heart of Christianity's essential values. Having a compassionate heart
demonstrates that we are striving to be more like Jesus. From what we can gather from the Bible, Jesus' concern for
people is clear. It is apparent that Jesus was visiting people in their homes and communities, traveling
between towns, not only addressing their spiritual needs, but He was also sympathetic towards their bodily needs as
well. He frequently cured the ill, offered solace to the needy, and met the physical nutritional and other needs of
thousands of people.
4. Up until now, has nursing theory or philosophy been important to your own practice? Why or why
not?
Nursing theories are employed in practice every day, even if nurses aren't aware. Theories advance
empirical research, which advances best practices and policies. These guidelines keep patients safe while giving the
greatest treatment. Nursing theories empower nurses to significantly impact patients' health and well-being beyond
the bedside. Patient care is improved, and the nursing profession is advanced as a result of theory-guided practice.
Because the majority of bedside nurses are not familiar with the underlying concepts, their importance is typically
underestimated. Advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and researchers are likely to be conversant with
contemporary nursing ideas and their effect on the nursing profession. Theories of nursing should continue to be
used to guide nursing education and clinical practice. In addition to offering current best practice care, it enables
nurses to have an impact on patients outside of the hospital setting.
References
Hoeck, B., & Delmar, C. (2018). Theoretical development in the context of nursing—The hidden epistemology of
nursing theory. Nursing Philosophy, 19(1), e12196-n/a. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/nup.12196
Holy Bible, New International Version. (1973/2011).
McEwen, M. &. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (Fifth ed.).
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