Discussion of Evidenced-Based Practice as a Science The science of nursing is based on evidence-based practices and constitutes the core of nursing. What is wrong with the patient? Why are they here? What information do you have to support your care plan? What subtle changes in their condition are important? When do you respond to or call a doctor to intervene in their condition? Can you anticipate the coming needs of your patient based on the numbers and the results given to you? Can you correctly calculate a medication dosage? All of these questions are based on physical signs and personal intuition and are aspects of the science of nursing. According to William Holzemer, nursing is a profession, and an academic discipline, and a science …show more content…
Unfortunately, many tend to think about the art and science of nursing to be two distinct components of practice. However, thousands of years ago during Aristotle’s time, art and science were combined within the general concept of philosophy of science (Holzemer 2006). The science of nursing includes theoretical concepts, scientific research and the application of this with skills and critical thinking. The art of nursing is complex and requires a conscious commitment to purposeful efforts to include caring behaviors during each nurse-patient interaction (Jasmine 2009). Both are required for effective and safe nursing. Evidence-based practice is centered on science and research. The science of nursing is easily noticeable and is very critical for nurses to know. Nurses are required to know diseases mechanisms of hundreds of diseases, medications, side effects and interactions of drugs, policies, practices, procedures and proper use of equipment. Healthcare is moving more and more into the future and technological advancements are now a daily occurrence. Nurses must complete continuing education to stay informed and competent in current practices. However, as the science of nursing is clearly advancing rapidly, some feel like the art of nursing is falling by the wayside (Scala 2017). Given the growing emphasis on the current healthcare …show more content…
Healthcare workers have the unique challenge of providing safe and effective care to individuals who generally judge and base personal options on the emotional care aspects of nursing. The profession of nursing is more multifaceted and stimulated than ever before. Uncertainties and changes in the healthcare world contribute to the complexity of practical knowledge and technical expertise required of modern nurses. American Nurses Association (ANA) defined professional nursing as "the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations" (ANA, 2010 p. 8). Equally embedded in this definition is the need to regard nursing as both a science and an art, which is a source of continual debate among nurses who may stress one attribute over another. Nurses should strive to achieve relative balance between administering care based on evidence and science and the art of professional nursing. Competent nurses are those who can appreciate the value of achieving a balance between the science and art of nursing (Palos, 2014). The unique challenge for