Fundamentals of Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Fundamentals of Nursing - Essay Example This final example shows another difference between belief and knowledge, choice; a person can choose what to believe but has no choice over what to know (Edwards 2001, pp. 25-38). 2. What are the main differences between practical knowledge and propositional knowledge described by Edwards? Give an example of each of these from your nursing practice. The main differences between practical and propositional knowledge lie in the mode of expression of the knowledge, its extent, and limitations. Propositional knowledge is mainly expressed in speech whereby an individual uses statements that indicate his or her knowledge on the subject matter. On the other hand, practical knowledge is expressed in one’s work, where a person knows what to do now, or what one might do when posed with a problem of a certain nature. Propositional knowledge tends to be general, such that it does not major on one aspect of the subject whereas practical knowledge is job specific, and is useful in one job area and can be applied to solve problems in that field exclusively. While propositional knowledge comes mainly from literature that one reads, practical knowledge is acquired as one does his or her duties, and the latter incorporates more senses than the former. An example of practical knowledge is using a needle and syringe on a patient such that it inflicts minimal pain and damage. Books may give the procedures for use in a medical setting, but practise gives a person the practical knowledge of how to do the procedures right. Propositional knowledge is evident where a person knows the various disease cycles and patterns, but the knowledge is not applicable directly in practice (Edwards 2001, pp. 25-38). 3. Critically analyse the kinds of knowledge nurses use in practice. Support your answer... This paper approves that nursing professionals possess knowledge in its various forms, which they should use in their line of duty such that it is for the benefit of a patient. However, a nurse must have all levels of knowing including personal, empirical, ethical, and aesthetic. This enables not only effective care of patients, but assures quality and adherence to acceptable levels of standards and ethics. Consequently, a nurse becomes more effective and efficient in his or her work, which in turn increases the ability of the nurse to be more effective due to a high self-esteem and a feeling of achievement. A nurse should be capable of differentiating between knowledge and belief, only then can one apply these two aspects in practice for optimal results. Nursing professionals should use a carefully balanced amalgamation of these knowledge types to ensure that their patients get the best service the profession has to offer. This essay makes a conclusion that an aspect of the nursing profession facing stiff criticism is evidence-based practice, which aims to ensure that all decisions and actions by nurses use chosen studies as a basis. This does not auger well with critics, who purport that evidence based practice is limiting and denies nurses and other scientists from having a different opinion from the given ones. In this regard, evidence based practice hinders innovation and prevents nurses from reaching their full potential in their profession. Though standards should be used for quality assurance purposes, they should be flexible enough to allow for personal choice and innovation.