This one-of-a-kind book provides an in-depth analysis of nursing practice as a concept and area of study, rather than as an aggregation of specific techniques and skills. The text addresses the essential features of nursing practice using a five-level nursing framework developed by the author. This framework promotes a deep understanding of how nursing should be holistically practiced rather than focusing on particular nursing competencies. The book stresses the importance of developing a multifaceted, adaptable approach to nursing that integrates all of its complexities, including philosophy, knowledge and knowing, and situational contingencies. Also addressed are the integral components of nursing practice, including essential tools, collaboration, knowledge application, competence, expertise, and quality of practice.

The book discusses and analyzes the five levels of nursing practice√≥the nursing perspective, nursing knowledge for practice, the philosophy of nursing practice, the dimension of nursing practice, and the process of nursing practice√≥to provide a model for how nursing should be practiced in order to better serve patients and advance knowledge for practice. With its in-depth perspective and unique focus, the book draws from nursing knowledge, but also from the fields of philosophy and the social sciences. As such, it analyzes the essential features and characteristics of nursing practice through a broader lens. The book also includes a comprehensive bibliography from nursing, philosophy, and social sciences literature. It is designed as both a text for graduate-level nursing students and as an authoritative reference for practicing nurses, educators, and researchers.

Key Features:

Presents a five-level analytical model of nursing practice developed by the author
Provides an in-depth examination of the essential features and dimensions of nursing practice using this analytical model
Addresses the essential tools of nursing practice; collaborative practice, knowledge application, and competence; expertise; and quality of practice
Includes a comprehensive bibliography relevant to the study of nursing practice from nursing, philosophy, and the social sciences

Contents

Preface

1. Introduction

The Definition of Nursing Practice

Nursing Practice in the Context of the Health Care System, Society, and Culture

A Model for Nursing Practice

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

2. The Client of Nursing

Nursing Perspective of Clients—Human Living

Human Dignity and Self-Determination in the Context of Nursing Practice

Client and Environment

Client in the Context of Family

Client in the Context of Society and Culture

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

3. The Nursing Perspective for Practice

Holism

Health Orientation

Person-Centeredness

Caring

Nursing Gaze as Operationalization of the Nursing Perspective

The Nursing Perspective and a Nursing Perspective

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

4. Nursing Knowledge for Practice

Nursing Epistemology

Nursing’s Substantive Knowledge Domains

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

Notes

5. Three Philosophies of Nursing Practice: Philosophies of Care, Therapy, and Professional Work

The Philosophy of Care

The Philosophy of Therapy

The Philosophy of Professional Work

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

6. Five Dimensions of Nursing Practice

Characterization of Nursing Practice

The Scientific Dimension

The Technical Dimension

The Ethical Dimension

The Aesthetic Dimension

The Existential Dimension

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

7. The Process of Nursing Practice

The Process of Deliberation

The Process of Enactment

The Perspective, the Knowledge, and the Philosophy of Practice in the Process

The Dimension of Nursing Practice and the Process

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

Notes

8. Essential Tools of Nursing Practice

Essential Tools in the General Practice Processes

Caring and Person-Oriented Essential Tools

Essential Tools of General Nursing Therapeutics

Professional Role–Related Essential Tools

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

9. Collaborative Practice

Characteristics of Collaboration

Critical Premises of Collaboration

Processes of Collaboration

Determinants of Collaboration

Collaborative Practice in Nursing

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

10. Knowledge Application in Nursing Practice

Knowledge-Based Practice

Processes of Knowledge Application in Nursing Practice

Critical Reflective Inquiry in Nursing Practice

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

Note

11. Competence and Expertise in Nursing Practice, and Quality of Nursing Practice

Competence in Nursing Practice

Expertise in Nursing Practice

Quality of Care and Quality of Nursing Practice

Client Outcomes in Relation to Quality of Care

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

12. Concluding Remarks

Future of Nursing Practice

Knowledge Development to Advance Nursing Practice

Summary and Questions for Reflection and Further Deliberation

Bibliography

Index

Authors

Hesook Suzie Kim, PhD, RN, has been professor at the University of Rhode Island since 1979 and Professor II at the Institute of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo in Norway from 1992 to 2003. She is professor emerita of nursing at the University of Rhode Island, from which she retired in 2004, and has held the professorship at Buskerud University College in Norway from 2004 to 2008. Currently she is a research project director at Buskerud University College. Dr. Kim had taught at the University of Rhode Island since 1973 and was dean of the College of Nursing there from 1983 to 1988.

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