In 1978, Carper introduced four ways of knowing, which have since been used to structure nursing education and to evaluate nursing practice (Zander), In order for nurses to be able to practice they need knowledge and have an understanding of relationships (Berragan, 1998). The knowledge comes from theory which is the ways of knowing. The ways of knowing …show more content…
are empirics, ethics, esthetics, and personal (Fawcett, Watson, Neuman, Hinton Walker, Fitzpatrick, 2001). All of which are required for moral, humane, and personalized nursing practice (Fawcett et al 2001).
Empirical knowledge is the science of nursing (Fawcett et al 2001). It is concerned with the ‘objective, abstract, and general knowledge that is experimented with and verified through repeated testing over a period of time’ (Zander). Empirics was formed to be the objective, abstract, general knowledge that is arranged into the theories, models, and principles that govern nursing (Zander).
The second way of knowing is ethical knowledge which is the moral component (Fawcett). It has been described by Carper as being ‘concerned with choosing, justifying, and judging actions involving moral duty, rights and obligations’ (Zander). Decisions that need to be made using ethical knowledge occurs in a concrete situation, meaning the decisions that are made are based on morals (Fawcett et al 2001). It can be said that in every decision we make there are ethical and moral implications therefore using this in everyday life (Berragan, 1998).
Carper described the third way of knowing, esthetical knowing, as the art of nursing (Fawcett et al 2001), as it is about being individual, particular and unique (Zander). This kind of knowing assists the nurse in seeing the whole picture from a different point and helps to envision the outcome of particular actions which are chosen for specific reasons (Fawcett et al 2001).
The fourth way of knowing is personal knowledge (Zander).
It is about knowing how to be authentic with others and knowing your own personal style (Zander). Personal knowledge is what is meant by a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship (Fawcett et al 2001). It is developed by one thinking about how they can be authentic, and listening to responses from others, and reflecting on these (Fawcett et al 2001).
The ways of knowing in nursing appear to be straightforward when first looked at, but when looked at in depth the knowledge needed is as complex as the discipline of nursing itself (Zander). In order to gain knowledge one has to be able to learn, and each individual has a special way in which they learn; these are known as learning styles (Zander). Learning styles have been defined as the way in which a person begins to ‘gather, concentrate on, process, internalise, and remember new and difficult academic content’ (Zander).
The learning style theory thinks of the brain as a place that can process information in one of two ways, globally or analytically (Westen et al, 2006, p.181). Global, or right brain learners are holistic learners. They need to understand the whole concept before focusing on details (Zander). Analytical, or left brain learners need to use sequential steps when learning. They need the details before they can begin to understand any information …show more content…
(Zander).
Gardner (1993, 2001 cited in Zander) has conceived a theory that includes multiple intelligences, these intelligences being; body, having a keen sense of awareness; interpersonal, understanding and interacting with others; verbal, using words effectively; logical, reasoning and calculating; intrapersonal, understanding one’s own interests and goals; visual, help to acquire concrete concepts and; musical, show sensitivity to rhythm and sound (Westen, Burton, Kowalski, 2006, p. 181). This theory led us to what is currently known as “brain-based” or “whole brain” approach to learning. It focuses on how the brain processes information that it receives (Zander).
Because of the way that I learn, that being multimodal, there are many different ways in which I approach learning, these being visually, reading/writing and kinesthetically.
In different situation I will adapt a different learning style in order for me to optimize my learning (Westen et al. 2006, p.181). The way in which I will approach my clinical learning placement this semester will be with self-confidence by being assertive, I will also familiarize myself with technical terminology and jargon so as to be able to involve myself in conversations with other nurses, and to find a mentor by building and maintaining working relationships with staff members and
students.
The ways of knowing are a tool that will provide a foundation for the way in which I intend to practice. By being able to understand the theoretical aspect of a practical situation I hope that I will feel more confident in actions that I may take which will help me to gain self-confidence. For this learning objective I will use a kinesthetic learning style because I will put myself in a real-life example and learn from it that way by seeing what works and what does not (Flemming, 2009).
In order for me to be able to utilize a more evidence based approach to health care I need to familiarize myself with basic medical terminology and jargon. And I will do this by studying the meaning of basic combining forms, prefixes, suffixes in the medical language (Chabner, 2007, p.2). I will use a visual learning style for this learning objective by using visual aids. Replacing words with symbols or initials and changing words into diagrams (Flemming, 2009)
To be able to find a mentor by building and maintaining working relationships with staff members and other students I need to introduce myself to everyone in the ward, in order for them to become more familiar with me so I will be able to communicate more easily. For this learning objective I will once again use the kinesthetic learning style as this involves people in a real life situation, so if I can find examples of people in a similar situation I will be able to learn from it (Flemming, 2009)
In order for me to reach the goals I have set for myself for this clinical placement I will need to be able to link practice, with Carpers ways of knowing and Gardners learning styles together. In doing so I hope to increase my knowledge, have more self-confidence and have a mentor that I can have maintain a working relationship with.
Reference List
Berragan, L. (1998). Nursing practice draws upon several different ways of knowing, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 7, 209-217
Chabner, D. (2007) The language of medicine, Sydney: Elsevier.
Heath, H. (1998). Reflection and Patters of Knowing in nursing, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 27, 1054-1058.
Fawcett, J., Watson, J., Neuman, B., Hinton Walker, P., Fitzpatrick, J. (2001), On Nursing Theories and Evidence, Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33:2, 115-119.
Flemming, N, 2009, Multimodal Study Strategies, viewed 24th August,
Flemming, N, 2009, Kinesthetic Study Strategies, viewed 24th August,
Flemming, N, 2009, Visual Study Strategies, viewed 24th August
Westen D, Burton L, Kowalski R, (2006). Psychology (Australian and New Zealand Edition) Queensland: John Wily and Sons, Page 181
Zander, P. Ways of knowing in Nursing: The Historical Evolution of a Concept, The Journal of Theory Construction and Testing, 11, 7-11