Nurse scholars have claimed that nursing is both a discipline and a profession. In order to understand these claims, we must first know what it means for nursing to have a “unique body of knowledge.” If we assume that nursing does, indeed, possess a unique body of knowledge, we can claim that nursing is a “basic science” rather than an “applied science.” Despite these claims, debate continues about nursing as discipline, profession, and science. Is nursing a discipline? A profession? Is nursing a basic science and/or applied science? In your initial post, state what you think about nursing as discipline, profession, and science. Explore the literature beyond that assigned to you for this week’s readings to help you formulate your position. You should include the following:
- What is a discipline? What is a profession? What’s the difference? What are examples of each?
- Does nursing fit the criteria for a “discipline” and “profession”?
- What is a “basic science”? What is an “applied science”? What’s the difference?
- Is nursing a “basic” or “applied” science?
- Support your statements with scholarly references. You may use those from the assigned readings for this module, but you must also select and use (via your literature search) a minimum of one scholarly reference outside of assigned readings in your initial post.
- Present your posts and replies in a professional, scholarly manner. Use the APA publication manual to format citations and references.
Nursing as Discipline, Profession, and Science: An Exploration
Defining Discipline and Profession: A discipline refers to a distinct field of knowledge that involves the systematic study, research, and practice of a particular subject matter. It is characterized by a unique body of knowledge, theories, methods, and practices that contribute to its development and advancement. A profession, on the other hand, involves a specialized occupation that requires a high level of education, training, and expertise. Professions are guided by ethical codes, standards of practice, and a commitment to serving the well-being of individuals, communities, or society at large.
Examples of disciplines include psychology, sociology, and biology, while examples of professions encompass medicine, law, and engineering.
Nursing as a Discipline and Profession: Nursing is often regarded as both a discipline and a profession. It possesses a unique body of knowledge that includes nursing theories, concepts, and research findings. This knowledge base informs nursing practice, education, and research, contributing to the ongoing development of the field. Nursing also exhibits characteristics of a profession, as it requires specialized education, licensure, and adherence to ethical standards. Nurses are committed to providing holistic care, promoting health, preventing illness, and advocating for patients’ well-being.
Basic Science vs. Applied Science: A basic science is concerned with understanding fundamental principles and theories in a specific field of study. It focuses on generating new knowledge and theories, often through research and experimentation. An applied science, on the other hand, involves using the knowledge and principles derived from basic science to solve practical problems and address real-world challenges.
Position on Nursing as Discipline, Profession, and Science:
Nursing can be considered a discipline due to its unique body of knowledge, encompassing nursing theories, models, and evidence-based practices. This knowledge base guides nurses in delivering effective and compassionate care. For example, nursing theories like Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory have been foundational in shaping nursing practice and education.
Furthermore, nursing qualifies as a profession given its specialized education and training, ethical standards (e.g., the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics), and dedication to patient well-being. Nurses contribute to the health and healing of individuals and communities, making them an essential part of the healthcare system.
Regarding the classification of nursing as a science, it can be argued that nursing is both a basic and an applied science. Nursing incorporates elements of basic science through its pursuit of understanding human health, illness, and the intricacies of care. Nursing research contributes to the advancement of knowledge, such as studies exploring the effectiveness of various interventions for managing chronic conditions.
Simultaneously, nursing is also an applied science, as nurses utilize their knowledge to address practical health challenges. For instance, nurses apply their understanding of pharmacology and patient care to administer medications safely and effectively.
In summary, nursing encompasses a unique body of knowledge, aligns with the characteristics of a profession, and involves both basic and applied scientific aspects. This multifaceted nature underscores the significance of nursing in healthcare and its role in improving patient outcomes.
References:
- Orem, D. E. (2001). Nursing: Concepts of practice (6th ed.). Mosby.
- American Nurses Association. (2021). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
- Meleis, A. I. (2011). Theoretical nursing: Development and progress (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Berman, A., Snyder, S. J., Frandsen, G., Kozier, B., Erb, G., Levett-Jones, T., Dwyer, T., Hales, M., Harvey, N., Luxford, Y., Moxham, L., Park, T., Parker, B., Reid-Searl, K., & Stanley, D. (2017). Kozier and Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing (Vol. 1). Pearson Australia.