The intent of the discussion board is for you to further expand your knowledge and understanding of the Ways of Knowing. In this reflection you will identify and discuss how the Ways of Knowing impacts nursing practice.
Instructions:
- See the example case study below and think of a clinical practice situation in which multiple Ways of Knowing were used. Create your own case study.
- Share the clinical practice situation with your classmates. Include and explain how the Ways of Knowing (Empirical, Personal, Ethical, and Esthetic knowledge) are used in a clinical practice situation.
Case study for Discussion and Reflection (USLO1,2)
Example:
Ms. Jones was a 42-year-old who presented to a medical-surgical unit. The patient complained of severe sudden onset abdominal pain. While taking her history, open-ended questions were asked including questions about her home environment. She was provided time to answer. Mrs. Jones became sad and stated she has four children under 12 at home. One of the children was born with a rare condition called Marden-Walker Syndrome and requires extensive home care. Her husband filed for divorce after she discovered he had a long ongoing affair. The husband was the main income provider while she was a stay-at-home mom. She denied having any medical issues. She did have a history of Covid with mild symptoms and has fully recovered. The only medication prior to admission is aspirin 81 mg daily. The doctor suggested she initiate the Aspirin when she had Covid and continues to take it daily.
This student cared for Ms. Jones for a consecutive 3 days. During the course of her stay, a Cat Scan was done and she was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. Medications prescribed were administered as ordered: Amoxicillin, Protonix, and Carafate. The aspirin was discontinued. Education regarding the new medications and why she needed to stop taking the aspirin was provided to Ms. Jones. The importance of eating meals at regular intervals in a relaxed setting was also included. Her anxiety was addressed regarding her home situation by encouraging her to develop new anxiety-reducing skills such as relaxation, deep breathing, positive visualization, and reassuring self-statements to help lower her anxiety at the moment. A free community resource for counseling was provided and the patient set up an outpatient appointment. Additional community resources and contacts were provided. The patient was asked and was agreeable to a social services consult to help anticipate potential needs for assistance.
Ways of Knowing applied:
Empirical knowledge: Empirical knowing is the science of nursing, which is factual, and descriptive, and helps to develop abstract and theoretical explanations (Khuan, 2006). Empirical Knowledge was utilized in the nursing diagnosis care of the patient with peptic ulcer disease, specifically in the education of procedures, medications, and addressing care anxiety through deep breathing.
Esthetic knowledge: Esthetic knowledge the art of nursing was displayed in my daily care rather than just responding to biological developments or spoken requests, the whole person was valued, and cues were perceived, and responded to for the good of the patient (Khuan, 2006). The care provided to Ms. Jones was holistic, her social, spiritual, psychological, and physical needs were addressed comprehensively and seamlessly. Empathy conveyed to the patient her unique self and situation; the care provided was specific to her needs.
Personal Knowledge: In this case Personal Knowledge was intertwined with Esthetics. The patient was cared for as a unique individual. The patient and the nurse engaged in an interpersonal relationship of care that allowed the caring to be more effective. Ms. Jones felt in control of the choices made in her care, and that provided her with a sense of control that she was lacking in her home environment. This student’s knowledge stems from her nursing philosophy. This student’s personal philosophy is actively put into practice and reflection occurs daily at the end of the shift. The reflection helps to connect personal beliefs and values with being a professional nurse and being able to personalize care for the patients. The connection moves the actions past the tasks of nursing into the care of nursing.
Ethical Knowledge: Nursing is continuously utilized in nursing care to promote the health and well-being of the patient (Khuan, 2006). Every decision by the nurse is weighted against goals, values, and the nurse’s desire to be the best advocate for the patient. Understanding a nurse’s scope and not overstepping or taking control of the patient’s perceived needs is essential in know. Education is essential to helping the client make informed decisions. Patients have the right to decline, and to remain respected as a patient.
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