Write an essay on knowledge for the professional practice ( intruduction. WHY knowledge is important? , How to Search for knowledge ? , application of knowledge ? )
KNOWLEDGE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Knowledge refers to the information, facts, and skills that people acquire through education and experience in a specific field. Knowledgeable people have practical or theoretical understanding of specific subjects. In practice, nurses require a wide range of both practical and theoretical knowledge to provide quality care to patients. Nursing knowledge is, therefore, the means by which nurses achieve their purpose of providing patient care. Nurses use a distinctive body of knowledge whose structure includes the metaparadigms of nursing (person, health, environment, and nursing), conceptual framework, nursing theories, and practice methods. Generally, nursing knowledge is categorized into empirical, personal, aesthetic, and ethical knowledge. Empirical knowledge refers to the science of nursing that is based on facts and facilitates the development of theoretical and abstract explanations. Personal knowledge includes therapeutic and interpersonal relationships while ethical knowledge includes the nursing ethical code of conduct. Aesthetic knowledge includes proper communication with patient and recognition of individual needs (Hassanian et al., 2015). The purpose of this essay is to discuss the importance of knowledge in nursing practice, processes used to search for knowledge, and application of this knowledge.
Importance of Knowledge
Nursing knowledge is important because it guides the practice process by giving nurses the necessary information and skills needed in clinical practice. This knowledge has facilitated advancement in the physical and mental wellbeing for individuals, families, and entire communities. Knowledge advancement through research has facilitated discovery of better strategies for health promotion and disease management which have resulted in better patient outcomes. Knowledge also provides nurses with the skills required to make better healthcare efficiency which not only translates to positive patient outcomes but also promote efficiency in the care process and minimize healthcare costs (Hassanian et al., 2015).
How to Search for Knowledge
The main sources of nursing knowledge include evidence from research and evaluation, personal experience, and knowledge obtained from other experienced nurses and healthcare professionals. Scientific knowledge is generated through research activity which entails following a rigorous approach to obtain findings that inform specific areas of nursing practice. Nurses can search for scientific knowledge by conducting their own research or seeking for current and high quality research studies published in form of journal or research articles. Journals can be easily accessed online. Traditional knowledge passed down from other nurses can be conveyed through role modeling, observed practice, books, and written documents. Personal experience is shaped by engaging in nursing practice and reflecting on these experiences (Momennasab et al., 2021).
Application of Knowledge
Nurses apply practice knowledge using nursing theories, frameworks, and processes. Knowledge is used in patient assessments, when making clinical decisions, and when developing care plans based on nursing diagnoses. Nurses also apply their knowledge to determine the needs of members of the community and when educating patients and members of the public on prevention and management of illnesses. Moreover, nursing knowledge can be applied when advocating for individual patients as well as communities (Odland et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Nursing knowledge forms the basis of practice with individuals, families, and members of the community. Nurses acquire knowledge from research, personal experience in clinical practice, and from other experienced nurses. Nursing knowledge is applied in practice with individuals, families, and communities with the aim of improving health and wellbeing.
References
Hassanian, Z., Ahanchian, M., Ahmadi, S., Hossein Gholizadeh, R. and Karimi-Moonaghi, H., 2015. Knowledge Creation in Nursing Education. Global Journal of Health Science, 7(2), pp.44-55.
Momennasab, M., Ghanbari, M. and Rivaz, M., 2021. Improving nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and performance in relation to ethical codes through group reflection strategy. BMC Nursing, 20(1).
Oldland, E., Botti, M., Hutchinson, A. and Redley, B., 2020. A framework of nurses’ responsibilities for quality healthcare — Exploration of content validity. Collegian, 27(2), pp.150-163.