Nursing science: more promise than threat

Abstract

This paper considers the issue of nursing science. Nursing, as an art, has long been accepted as integral to nursing. Nursing, as a science, however, is a more recent concept. Nursing science is viewed as a threat to the profession by its opponents, while the proponents of nursing science see it as a promise for advancement of the discipline. This paper examines the issue of nursing science by looking at its history and development, the definition of science, and five factors critical to the nursing science issue. The author concludes that nursing science is, in varying respects, both a threat and a promise. It is clear that the preponderance of evidence favours the promise nursing science holds for the profession of nursing. It is not a matter of choosing either art or science, but rather skillfully blending both for the betterment of nursing. Both art and science are necessary in nursing--neither, however, is sufficient.

Factors Influencing Nurses' Participation in Clinical Research

“…Barriers to staff nurses' acceptance of the research component of their role were soon recognized (Stevenson, 1978). Suspicion of and resistance to a scientific basis for practice was common among those who argued that it conflicted with nursing's humanistic and "art versus science" approach (Jennings, 1986). Staff nurses' acceptance of and cooperation with the research process was viewed as necessary due to their integral role as gatekeepers in facilitating access to patients as research participants (Egan, McElmurry, & Jameson, 1981;Oberst, 1985).…”

Staff nurses' attitudes toward nursing research: a descriptive survey

“…Highly developed nursing theories will give nurses in clinical practice the information necessary to choose specific nursing actions for predictable patient outcomes. Jennings (1986) believes that in order for theories to have this application to the practice of nursing, they must originate in the practice. Other authors (Schlotfeldt 1971, Fawcett 1983, Greenwood 1984 believe that theories must be repeatedly subjected to scientific testing in the practice setting to reaffirm their validity as guides for nursing actions.…”

“…The art versus science approach to the practice of nursing can also be a source of conflict between nursing scientists and clinicians. Practitioners, who traditionally view nursing as a humanistic, nurturing, intuitive, and supportive enterprise may directly conflict with their view of the research process as a hard, objective, intellectual, and unfeeling enterprise (Stevenson 1978, Jennings 1986). Since the ultimate goal of both enterprises is improvement in the quality of nursing actions and patient outcomes, every effort needs to be made to resocialize nurses to the value of research in practice and vice versa.…”

Research about Nursing: An Agenda whose Time has Come

“…The issues were defined by a preposition: Did we need science in nursing, the use of knowledge from other disciplines, or did we need science of nursing, a body of knowledge unique to nursing (Jennings, 1986)? Typical of such polarization, the debate gave way to a middle ground that benefits from the best of both extremes.…”