A Unitary-Transformative Nursing Science: From Angst to Appreciation.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Philosophy of Science
• Healthcare Studies

Background:

• Significant discord exists within the nursing profession concerning the precise definition of nursing science.
• This debate particularly affects those who advocate for a distinct body of nursing knowledge grounded in unique nursing theories.
• The ongoing conflict generates considerable professional anxiety and hinders consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel perspective and actionable process to navigate the definitional discord in nursing science.
• To offer a pathway toward a unified understanding of nursing science, specifically advocating for a unitary-transformative approach.
• To provide a framework that transcends existing disagreements and fosters professional cohesion.

Main Methods:

• The article employs a philosophical and conceptual approach, drawing on principles of wholeness.
• It suggests a process guided by fostering constructive dissent, envisioning a shared future, and promoting appreciative action.
• The methodology focuses on theoretical synthesis and conceptual clarification rather than empirical data collection.

Main Results:

• A proposed perspective grounded in wholeness offers a potential resolution to the nursing science definition debate.
• The suggested process provides practical principles for moving forward, emphasizing collaboration and forward-thinking.
• This approach aims to unify disparate viewpoints under the umbrella of unitary-transformative nursing science.

Conclusions:

• A wholistic perspective can effectively address and transcend the long-standing discord in defining nursing science.
• Implementing principles of respectful dissent, future imagination, and inspired action can foster a more cohesive professional understanding.
• The unitary-transformative nursing science framework offers a promising direction for the future of the discipline.