Thoughts on the discipline of nursing as we approach the year 2000

A discipline is 'characterized by a unique perspective, a distinct way of viewing all phenomena, which ultimately defines the limits and nature of its inquiry' (Donaldson & Crowley 1978). Further, Chinn & Jacobs (1987) define discipline as a 'branch of instruction; a body of knowledge and of systematizing that knowledge within an area of concern or domain of inquiry'. The position taken in this paper is that nursing, as it approaches the year 2000, is an evolving discipline that is 'dedicated to the advancement of knowledge which contributes to the pursuit of excellence of care' (AARN 1985). The writer agrees with Jennings' (1987) position that theory gives definition to nursing's body of knowledge, and direction to research and practice. This paper addresses some of the issues and concerns related to the development of nursing knowledge which serves as a cornerstone for the discipline. It goes on to consider briefly a few tasks that face nursing as it approaches the year 2000.