ways of knowing in nursing
The Use of Ways of Knowing in a Clinical Scenario
Fabiola Benoit
Saint Joseph’s College
Abstract
The use of ways of knowing is assumed to be a valid and necessary strategy in providing adequate care in the nursing field. Carper has developed four ways of knowing that has become essential in a nurses every day practice. Carper’s four fundamental patterns of knowing are defined as empirical, ethical, personal and aesthetic. Empirical knowledge is defined as the science of nursing. Aesthetic knowledge is reflected as the art of nursing and the use of empathy. Personal Knowledge is the knowledge we contain from our personal experiences. And ethical knowledge is described as the ethical codes of nursing; what is our matter of obligation. In the 1990s a major modification to Carpers pattern of knowing was suggested. Jill wright suggested the addition of a fifth pattern of, sociopolitical knowing. Sociopolitical knowing defines the cultural aspect of knowing and how it influences each person’s understanding of health and disease. This paper will focus on a clinical scenario I encountered in my nursing career, and I will integrate how the ways of knowing can change ones way of being.
The Use Ways of Knowing in a Clinical Scenario Nursing professionals are often faced with challenges in our clinical practice. They seek different methods that can be effective in providing adequate care for their patient’s. Carper’s patterns of knowing in nursing have influenced many nurses. The emphasis of different ways of knowing represents a tool for generating clearer thinking and learning about our experiences. This paper will incorporate a scenario and how empirical, aesthetic, ethical, sociopolitical, unknowing and personal knowledge changed its way of being.
On August 20th, 2014 I received a phone call from my staffing coordinator to fill in for a nurse. She stated that this was a very simple case and the patient, a child, only had a gastrostomy tube. I had been
Fabiola Benoit
Saint Joseph’s College
Abstract
The use of ways of knowing is assumed to be a valid and necessary strategy in providing adequate care in the nursing field. Carper has developed four ways of knowing that has become essential in a nurses every day practice. Carper’s four fundamental patterns of knowing are defined as empirical, ethical, personal and aesthetic. Empirical knowledge is defined as the science of nursing. Aesthetic knowledge is reflected as the art of nursing and the use of empathy. Personal Knowledge is the knowledge we contain from our personal experiences. And ethical knowledge is described as the ethical codes of nursing; what is our matter of obligation. In the 1990s a major modification to Carpers pattern of knowing was suggested. Jill wright suggested the addition of a fifth pattern of, sociopolitical knowing. Sociopolitical knowing defines the cultural aspect of knowing and how it influences each person’s understanding of health and disease. This paper will focus on a clinical scenario I encountered in my nursing career, and I will integrate how the ways of knowing can change ones way of being.
The Use Ways of Knowing in a Clinical Scenario Nursing professionals are often faced with challenges in our clinical practice. They seek different methods that can be effective in providing adequate care for their patient’s. Carper’s patterns of knowing in nursing have influenced many nurses. The emphasis of different ways of knowing represents a tool for generating clearer thinking and learning about our experiences. This paper will incorporate a scenario and how empirical, aesthetic, ethical, sociopolitical, unknowing and personal knowledge changed its way of being.
On August 20th, 2014 I received a phone call from my staffing coordinator to fill in for a nurse. She stated that this was a very simple case and the patient, a child, only had a gastrostomy tube. I had been
References: Carper, B.A. (1978). Fundamental patterns of knowing in nursing. Aspens Systems Corporation, 13-23. Farley R., Clark J., Davidson C., Evans G., MacLennan K., Michael S., Morrow M., & Thorpe S. (2003). What is the evidence for the effectiveness of postural management? International Journal of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 10(10), 449-55. White, J. (1995). Patterns of knowing: Review, critique, and update. Advances in Nursing Science, 17(4), 73-86.