Reflective inquiry framework for nurse administrators

Problematic situations comprise a significant proportion of nurse administrators' practice. Reflective inquiry is recommended as a method for identifying the problem and its solution. This approach is consistent with pragmatic philosophy which recognizes the fallacy of basing one's action on an a priori conclusion. Dewey's elements of reflective inquiry are used as the framework to analyse its relevance to administrative practice. Emphasis is placed on the importance of using empirical observations and thoughts in a serial back and forth process to discover the problem and its solution. The problems associated with non-empirical inquiry are examined. Reflective inquiry provides a directed rather than a haphazard approach to effective and efficient administrative practice.