Integrating esthetics into nursing: literature as a suggested modality

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Humanities
• Art Education

Background:

• Nursing faces challenges related to professional identity and justification.
• The role of esthetics in nursing has been historically neglected.
• There is a need to enrich nursing practice and education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for the reintegration of esthetics into nursing.
• To demonstrate how art can inform and enhance nursing practice and education.
• To explore the potential of art to foster self-reflection and understanding in nurses.

Main Methods:

• The article proposes an approach using art as both a means and an end.
• It suggests using selected literary works for vicarious understanding of human conditions.
• It highlights the 'art act' for self-examination and creative centering of nurses.

Main Results:

• Exposure to literature can deepen nurses' understanding of diverse human experiences.
• Engaging with art allows nurses to critically analyze and refine their interventions.
• Integrating esthetics can lead to creative self-discovery and professional centering.

Conclusions:

• Reintegrating esthetics into nursing education is crucial for professional development.
• Collaboration with humanities scholars can strengthen the nursing discipline.
• Embracing esthetics can invigorate nursing during times of professional uncertainty.