Abstract
Since perceptions and observations are influenced by how we view the world, my practice of nursing as a profession and a science are influenced by my environment. By utilizing a mixture of theories, I attempt to promote the most extensive practice module relevant to the largest population of clients. Guided by the nursing metaparadigm and influenced by a perceived theory, my practice encompasses a variety of thoughts on nursing. To follow, is a discussion of my practice and the philosophy and concepts I use to perpetuate my profession. Although I relate my personal philosophy to my specific practice, many parts of it will relate to a larger population of nurses and can be used in multiple settings and multiple nursing roles.
The Philosophy and Concepts Used in My Practice
Personal Philosophy and Conceptual Model
It has been my experience that a concrete methodological stance on nursing philosophy is limiting. Empirical knowledge, though useful, is only a small part of nursing. A mixture of theories will promote the most extensive practice module relevant to the largest population of nurses. Hard data, however useful and informative, relates only to the context of human science and human nature it is employed in. I believe in my own practice that Grand theories exist mainly among scholars and researchers, while the Middle Range theories provide a more practical application to everyday practice and management of clients and nursing staff. I work with a very specific population and practice, and outpatient ambulatory surgery center with only four specialties. In my practice, microtheories prevail. Nursing is an art, never an exact science, since no client is alike. ...