Reflecting Art in Nursing Practice: Developing Visual Arts Programs to Transform and Strengthen Practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Professional Development
• Arts in Healthcare
• Medical Humanities

Background:

• Limited professional development opportunities in the arts exist for practicing nurses.
• The arts demonstrate positive impacts on observation, empathy, and self-care.
• Nurses require enhanced skills for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a visual arts-humanities professional development workshop for registered nurses (RNs).
• To enhance clinical skills through reflective art activities and discussions.
• To explore the impact of arts-based learning on nurses' self-awareness and professional growth.

Main Methods:

• A 4-part visual arts-humanities workshop was implemented.
• Registered nurses provided written feedback on course content and personal growth.
• Reflective activities and guided art conversations were utilized.

Main Results:

• Participants reported profound increases in self-awareness.
• Key themes included enhanced observation ('seeing as'), attunement, and cognitive shifts.
• The workshop offered respite and fostered collegial relationships among nurses.

Conclusions:

• Arts-based professional development can significantly enhance nurses' clinical skills and self-awareness.
• Such programs support the Quadruple Aim by promoting well-being and meaning in nursing practice.
• Leadership support is crucial for the successful implementation of arts-related nursing education.