10 Sep Two ways of knowing that have had the most influence on my understanding of nursing science are personal and empirical

Two ways of knowing that have had the most influence on my understanding of nursing science are personal and empirical knowing. Personal knowing goes over the relationship between the provider and patient. When the provider knows who they are they can empathize with the patient and be open to their situation allowing them to form an authentic relationship (Brennan, P., 2018).  Using this relationship the provider can use the scientific knowledge to care for the patient. Another knowing I use frequently is the empirical foundations because I use the knowledge from evidence-base practice to provide the best care for patients. 

Two ways of knowing have you not considered previously are the aesthetic and emancipatory knowing.  Aesthetic knowing is considered the art of nursing because it takes the unique aspects of a patient and incorporates everything including unique ways to provide care to patients. I have used unique ways to provide the best care to patients such as taking vitamins every other than stopping completely. In addition, emancipatory knowing is where providers use the the knowledge to address social in justice when it comes to patient care.  These ways of knowing will shape my future nursing practice because I will use them more in my practice. I believe I already use Aesthetic knowing in my practice but emancipatory knowing is necessary in all practice because a patients care should not be based on where they live or what insurance they have. 

Nursing science has encompassed the six ways of knowing to bridge many gaps to improve healthcare outcomes but one way is used when caring for patients with mental health concerns. This gap is one that every provider will see in practice and the six knowing is an essential aspect when caring for these patients. Providers understand how they feel about patients suffering from this illness and empathize with the patient while addressing their needs with the facts they were educated with to improve the patient outcome (Zander, P., 2000).  However, providers are aware that they must be open that not all medications can help a patient so they inform patients of the risk and benefits of the medication and that it may take several weeks before they see improvement if any and remain open to allow all possibilites that can help patients such as faith, meditation, counseling and more.  Finally, providers recognize that there is a stigma with this disease and that we need to stay poticially involved to continue to influence continued support politically for these patients. A study done by the International Journal of mental health systems did a study where they used theory and collaborated with patients to show how “user-professional” collaboration helps with improving patient care because it helps the patient feel heard and encoragages their involvement in their own care, even negociating their care (Sundet, R., et al., 2020). This facilitates the right care for each persons situation, needs, and goals.

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