Patterns of Knowing in Nursing

Empirics the science of nursing Esthetics the art of nursing Personal knowledge in nursing Ethics moral knowledge in nursing
- Carper (1978)

Empirical knowledge
Objective, abstract, generally quantifiable Can be verified through observation and proved by hypothesis testing Tends to be the most emphasized way of knowing in nursing

Esthetic knowledge
Expressive, creative, subjective, unique and experiential Includes sensing the meaning of a moment Not expressed in language Evident through actions, conduct, attitudes and interactions of the nurse in response to another

Personal knowledge
Incorporates experience, knowing, and actualizing the self within practice Largely expressed in personality Personal maturity and freedom are components

Ethics
Moral code for nursing Based on obligation to service and respect for human life

Ethical knowledge
Used when moral dilemmas arise and when consequences are difficult to predict Requires rational and deliberate examination and evaluation of what is good, valuable and desirable as goals, motives or characteristics

 Integration of all patterns of knowing is essential for professional nursing practice; no one pattern should be used in isolation from others.
- Fawcett, et al. (2001)

 Nurses should view nursing practice from a broadened perspective that places value on ways of knowing beyond the empirical.
- Silva, et al. (1995)