Nursing knowledge is classified in a variety of ways, one of which is Carper’s Patterns of Knowing (Carper, 1978)

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Nursing knowledge is classified in a variety of ways, one of which is Carper’s Patterns of Knowing (Carper, 1978). Carper’s framework offers a lens through which the nurse can reflect upon insights acquired through empirical, ethical, personal, and aesthetic knowledge (Carper, 1978). Through intentional reflection using Carper’s Patterns of Knowing, nurses can process experiential learning and knowledge acquired through practice. The purpose of this assignment is to reflect upon a specific practice situation and better understand the professional knowledge and insights obtained through that experience.

Criteria for Content

Think of a surprising or challenging practice situation in which you felt underprepared, unprepared, or uncomfortable.
Select an important nursing issue/topic that was inherent to the identified situation.
Briefly explain the situation.
Identify the nursing issue inherent in the identified situation
As a method of refection, use Carper’s Patterns of Knowing to analyze the situation. In your discussion, address ONE of the following Patterns of Knowing:
What do you think was the underlying reason for the situation? (Esthetics)
What were your thoughts and feeling in the situation? (Personal)
What was one personal belief that impacted your actions? (Ethics)
What evidence in nursing literature supports the nursing importance of the identified issue? (Empirical)
What new insights did you gain through this reflective practice opportunity? How will this apply to your practice as a nurse practitioner? Be sure to use scholarly literature to support your position.

Sample Solution

A Nurse Practitioner’s Reflection on Ethical Decision-Making using Carper’s Patterns of Knowing

The Situation:

During my early practice as a nurse practitioner (NP), I encountered a challenging situation involving a patient, Mr. Jones, a 72-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mr. Jones presented with worsening shortness of breath and requested a prescription for a stronger inhaler. While reviewing his medical history, I noticed a past hospitalization for pneumonia and a physician’s note recommending smoking cessation for COPD management. However, Mr. Jones was hesitant to quit smoking, citing the stress relief it provided.

Nursing Issue:

The nursing issue in this situation was the conflict between patient autonomy (Mr. Jones’ right to make his own decisions regarding smoking) and his best interests for managing COPD.

Ethical Analysis (Carper’s Pattern of Knowing):

My internal struggle stemmed from the ethical principle of beneficence, which emphasizes acting in the patient’s best interest. Here’s how Carper’s framework helps analyze this ethical dilemma:

  • Personal: I felt a sense of responsibility towards Mr. Jones’ health and well-being. Witnessing the detrimental effects of smoking on his COPD made me anxious about his future health.

Justification:

This personal concern aligned with the ethical principle of non-maleficence, which compels nurses to avoid causing harm. Smoking is a well-established risk factor for COPD progression ([National Institutes of Health, 2021]).

Empirical Evidence:

Research supports the importance of smoking cessation for COPD management. A study by The Lancet Respiratory Medicine ([Anthonisen et al., 2008]) found that smoking cessation significantly improved lung function and reduced COPD exacerbations.

New Insights and Future Practice:

This experience highlighted the importance of open communication and shared decision-making in ethical dilemmas.

  • I learned to explore the patient’s perspective and beliefs about smoking cessation.
  • Educational resources and support groups could be offered to empower Mr. Jones to make informed decisions about his health.

Scholarly Support:

The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society guidelines recommend comprehensive smoking cessation counseling for all COPD patients ([GOLD, 2023]). This aligns with the ethical principle of justice, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment options.

Conclusion:

Carper’s Patterns of Knowing, particularly focusing on personal and ethical considerations, facilitated a deeper understanding of this challenging situation. By reflecting on the ethical principles involved, I can better navigate future scenarios where patient autonomy and best interests collide. Open communication, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice will guide my approach as I empower patients to make informed choices about their health.

References:

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