Wisdom in nursing care: A concept analysis

IntroductionWisdom is frequently invoked as a hallmark of good nursing, yet its meaning and practical implications remain conceptually under-specified. Grounded in virtue ethics and the Aristotelian notion of phronesis, this paper aims to clarify the concept of "wisdom in nursing care" to support ethically grounded nursing practice.MethodsA concept analysis was conducted using the Walker and Avant method. The literature search was carried out in January 2026 using the PubMed and CINAHL databases, focusing on uses of the concept of wisdom relevant to the nursing profession. Twenty-five publications were included and analyzed to identify multidisciplinary uses, defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of wisdom in nursing.ResultsThe analysis delineates wisdom as a morally grounded, relational, and practice-based capacity. Defining attributes include deliberation and context-sensitive judgment oriented toward fairness and patient wellbeing; morally informed action (praxis) undertaken for the right reasons; open-mindedness and humility regarding the limits of knowledge; perceptiveness and moral perception of ethically salient features of situations; reflexivity; empathy and moral imagination; emotional regulation; self-awareness; and understanding of others. Antecedents are organized into personal conditions (values, learning orientation, knowledge base, clinical experience, and mentorship) and environmental conditions (context familiarity, situational awareness, and informational resources). Consequences include progression toward expert practice, integration of theoretical and practical knowledge, ethically attentive navigation of uncertainty, and reinforcement of nursing's commitment to human flourishing.DiscussionThis conceptual clarification supports education, leadership, and ethical practice by rendering wisdom more teachable, discussable, and amenable to study in nursing care. The integration of rigor and compassion positions wisdom as both steward and guide of the person within nursing practice.