[Nursing as social practice: an exercise of reflection]

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Nursing Studies
• Philosophy of Practice

Context:

• Nursing is increasingly understood as a complex social practice, influenced by historical and societal factors.
• Existing conceptualizations of nursing may not fully capture its social dimensions.
• A deeper understanding of nursing's social roots is needed to inform contemporary practice and education.

Purpose:

• To critically examine the concept of nursing as a social practice.
• To explore the philosophical and social origins of nursing.
• To develop a refined concept of nursing grounded in social practice theory.

Summary:

• This work reflects on nursing as a social practice by reconsidering its philosophical and social roots.
• It analyzes the historical development of nursing to identify characteristics of a socially constructed practice.
• The study proposes a new concept of social practice and redefines nursing within this perspective.

Impact:

• Provides a novel theoretical framework for understanding nursing as a social practice.
• Contributes to the academic discourse on the nature and evolution of nursing.
• Offers insights for nursing education, policy, and professional development by highlighting its social construction.