Ways of Knowing as a Framework for Developing Reflective Practice among Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Development
• Clinical Reflection

Background:

• Nursing students struggle to grasp the registered nurse role across diverse clinical settings.
• Frameworks like the "ways of knowing" aid professional learning but use challenging academic language.
• Understanding these frameworks is crucial for developing critical reflection in nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the historical context of nursing as a discipline.
• To apply Carper's four and Chinn and Kramer's fifth "ways of knowing" to acute and community care scenarios.
• To enhance reflexivity in clinical practice through the application of these knowing frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of two clinical practicum scenarios: acute care and community-based care.
• Application of Carper's empirical, aesthetic, self-knowledge, and ethical ways of knowing.
• Integration of Chinn and Kramer's emancipatory knowing.

Main Results:

• Practical descriptions and concrete examples are provided for each "way of knowing".
• Scenarios illustrate the integration of all five ways of knowing in nursing practice.
• Students can use these examples to develop their understanding of nursing.

Conclusions:

• The five "ways of knowing" framework aids students in developing reflective practice.
• Practical application enhances students' conceptualization of the nursing construct.
• This approach supports deeper professional learning and critical thinking in nursing students.