THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF MY CLASSMATES WORK. SAME FORMAT AND IDEA.
Conclusion
Being part of this case study has improved my knowledge and enabled me to gain new skills and improved the nursing skills necessary to pursue my nursing career. The engagement has also shown that I have the relevant knowledge and skills to execute the responsibilities of a registered nurse. Carper’s fundamental ways of knowing has been utilized as a framework for the nurse to consider what he or she has learnt through reflection on experience (Johns, 1995). My understanding of this case study was implemented through the multiple ways of knowing. These patterns or ways of knowing were personal, empirical, Ethical, aesthetic, and unknowing knowledge etc. The ways of knowing in nursing will be explored through their antecedent, attribute, and consequences (Johns, 1995). In this case study, examples will be provided to illustrate the various ways of knowing in nursing practice.
Four of the ways of knowing will stand out for me in this case study while I am underlining my learning experience. These consist of personal knowledge, empirical knowledge, aesthetic knowledge, and unknowing knowledge. Personal knowledge enables nurses to formulate their response, notice strengths and weaknesses in a scenario and identify individual biases that might impact the nurse-patient relationship (Carnago & Mast, 2015). Empirical knowledge is displayed through facts, models, theories, and thematic descriptions (Rafii et al., 2021). Aesthetic knowledge or the art of knowing is attained through empathy, dynamic adaptation and understanding of the parts as a whole and the identification of specific cases rather than a holistic outlook (Carper, 1978). Unknowing knowledge enables nurses to communicate with the patient authentically and empathetically because they are unaware of the patient’s situation. It makes it necessary for a nurse to be open-minded so the nurse can grasp a better understanding of the situation (Munhall, 1993).
Personal knowledge
I have a cousin who had a stroke a few months ago. I also lost my grandfather to complications of high blood pressure. These experiences made me understand how it feels to have your loved one suffer from complications of high blood pressure like stroke. I remember the emotional pain I endured when I first heard that my cousin had a stroke. I cried myself to sleep in fear of not knowing what would happen to him because a stroke is a condition that could potentially disable him for life. I understood the importance of family while helping my cousin get through this difficult time. While taking care of Mr. SP, I recognized that he needed his family to give him all the support he needed. Mr. SP was admitted to the Neuro-stroke unit where I got the opportunity to meet with his two sons and discuss how they could provide the necessary support for their father. During the interaction, I was able to use my personal experience to reinforce the importance of having support for a person recovering from a stroke.
Empirical Knowledge
Empirical knowledge is the foundation of nursing. It represents the “facts, models, and theories” that are the foundation of nursing research and intervention (swift & Twycross, 2020). The reason why I chose this case study is because I knew that I had some trouble understanding the cerebrovascular concepts in my studies. In doing so, I realize that I will be able to strengthen my understanding of the cerebrovascular system and its interaction with other body systems.
One of the most important things that I had to do when caring for Mr. SP was monitor his vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and pain frequently. I also performed frequent neurological assessments to evaluate the patient’s independence to perform tasks. This was important because the patient had pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease that needed to be managed to prevent the worsening of his condition. I also recognized the patient has prescribed two blood pressure medications (Metoprolol and Labetalol), and a loop diuretic which is Furosemide. I quickly understood the importance of measuring the patient’s blood pressure before administering the blood pressure medication and checking the patient electrolytes level before I administered the diuretic. Monitoring and managing the patient’s vital signs and electrolytes enhanced my empirical knowledge and strengthened my knowledge about cerebrovascular disease.
Aesthetic Knowledge
Aesthetic knowledge represents the art of nursing, which encompasses aspects like empathy (Campbell et al., 2018). This way of knowing is characterized by qualitative research which focuses on defining the subjective experience and acknowledging the individual meaning (Carper, 1978). It does not only help to build a therapeutic relationship with the patient but also to improve the patient’s outcomes. Being empathetic means being able to be sensitive to feelings and responding to them effectively. In this case study I knew that Mr. SP was very sick, and since it was hard for him to communicate, I empathized with his situation and ensured that I provided all the care necessary to keep him comfortable both physically and emotionally. I ensured he had all the medication and supplies he needed and checked on him regularly to make sure he was doing well. Having empathy and genuineness to focus on the unique needs of Mr. SP improved my understanding of aesthetic knowledge in nursing.
Unknowing Knowledge
Unknowing knowledge refers to a state of openness. This pattern of knowing allows the nurse to empathetically comprehend the complete experience of a patient and the deeper meaning the experience has (Munhall, 1993). During his stroke diagnosis and treatment Mr. SP was on bed rest and had a difficult time communicating. I was wondering what was going on in his mind, not knowing if he would be able to walk and speak again. His family was very concerned and frustrated by not knowing if their father would be able to return home, to care for himself, and regain his former health. Although the family expressed their negative feelings, they were willing to hear out any problem-solving strategies the nurse suggested. The patient was able to focus on living because his physicians paid close attention to him. I was always there for him when needed and the family was very open to this kind of practice.
Reflection
Upon reflection, the multiple patterns of knowing can have a huge effect on my career as a nurse. They will allow me to understand and put myself in every patient’s shoes, to treat them with respect and dignity, and to see every one of them as unique without prejudice, especially when dealing with diverse cultural backgrounds. This will also be an opportunity to make better clinical judgement in my future nursing practice. Finally, from the various ways of knowing, I learn how to use good communication skills, empathy, compassion, respect, advocacy, and so forth which are necessary in nursing practice. This case study improved my overall knowledge of the definition of a nursing professional. It taught me about the core value of fundamental nursing and the need to be empathetic when providing care. Thorough knowledge on the ways of knowing is vital to nursing practice. By incorporating the ways of knowing into research, nursing knowledge may expand and thrive, which can further extend into the nursing practice.
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