Ways of Knowing
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
1. Think of a surprising or challenging practice situation in which you felt underprepared, unprepared, or uncomfortable.
2. Select an important nursing issue/topic that was inherent to the identified situation.
3. Briefly explain the situation.
4. Identify the nursing issue inherent in the identified situation
1. 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:
1. What do you think was the underlying reason for the situation? (Esthetics)
2. What were your thoughts and feeling in the situation? (Personal)
3. What was one personal belief that impacted your actions? (Ethics)
4. What evidence in nursing literature supports the nursing importance of the identified issue? (Empirical)
5. 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
ursing 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 1. Think of a surprising or challenging practice situation in which you felt underprepared, unprepared, or uncomfortable. 2. Select an important nursing issue/topic that was inherent to the identified situation. 3. Briefly explain the situation.1000 words
Sure, here is a reflection on a specific practice situation using Carper’s Patterns of Knowing:
Situation:
I was working as a nurse in a critical care unit when I was assigned to care for a patient who was in the early stages of sepsis. The patient was a young woman who had been admitted to the hospital with a fever and shortness of breath. She was quickly diagnosed with sepsis and started on antibiotics.
I was feeling underprepared for this situation because I had never cared for a patient with sepsis before. I was also feeling uncomfortable because the patient was very sick and I was worried about her.
Empirical Knowledge:
I used my empirical knowledge of sepsis to assess the patient’s condition and to provide her with care. I knew that sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause multiple organ failure. I also knew that the patient’s condition could change rapidly, so I needed to be vigilant in my assessment.
I used my empirical knowledge to order the appropriate diagnostic tests and to administer the prescribed medications. I also monitored the patient’s vital signs closely and reported any changes to the doctor.
Ethical Knowledge:
I used my ethical knowledge to make decisions about the patient’s care. I knew that the patient had the right to be informed about her condition and to make her own decisions about her care. I also knew that the patient’s family had the right to be involved in her care.
I made sure to explain the patient’s condition to her and to her family in a way that they could understand. I also made sure to get their consent before making any changes to the patient’s care.
Personal Knowledge:
I used my personal knowledge to connect with the patient and her family. I knew that the patient was scared and that her family was worried about her. I tried to be present for them and to offer them support.
I also used my personal knowledge to reflect on my own feelings about the situation. I was feeling scared and overwhelmed, but I knew that I needed to stay calm and focused in order to provide the best care for the patient.
Aesthetic Knowledge:
I used my aesthetic knowledge to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the patient’s situation. I was struck by the resilience of the patient and her family. I was also humbled by the privilege of being able to care for them during this difficult time.
I used my aesthetic knowledge to reflect on the meaning of the situation. I realized that sepsis is a very serious condition, but it is also a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and hope.
Reflection:
This experience taught me a lot about sepsis and about the importance of using Carper’s Patterns of Knowing in nursing practice. I learned that it is important to have a strong foundation in empirical knowledge, but it is also important to be able to use ethical, personal, and aesthetic knowledge to provide holistic care.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have cared for t
