Nurse scholars have claimed that nursing is both a discipline and a profession. In order to understand these claims, we must first know what it means for nursing to have a "unique body of knowledge." If we assume that nursing does, indeed, possess a unique body of knowledge, we can claim that nursing is a "basic science" rather than an "applied science." Despite these claims, debate continues about nursing as discipline, profession, and science. Is nursing a discipline? A profession? Is nursing a basic science and/or applied science? In your initial post, state what you think about nursing as discipline, profession, and science. Explore the literature beyond that assigned to you for this week's readings to help you formulate your position. You should include the following:
What is a discipline? What is a profession? What's the difference? What are examples of each?
Does nursing fit the criteria for a "discipline" and "profession"?
What is a "basic science"? What is an "applied science"? What's the difference?
Is nursing a "basic" or "applied" science?
Full Answer Section
A profession is a field of work that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Professionals are typically required to have a college degree and to be licensed by the state. Some examples of professions include medicine, law, engineering, and accounting.
The main difference between a discipline and a profession is that a discipline is focused on knowledge, while a profession is focused on practice. However, there is often overlap between the two. For example, medicine is both a discipline and a profession. It is a discipline because it is focused on the knowledge of human health and disease. It is also a profession because it requires specialized knowledge and skills to practice medicine.
Does nursing fit the criteria for a "discipline" and "profession"?
I believe that nursing does fit the criteria for both a discipline and a profession. Nursing has a unique body of knowledge that is specific to the discipline. This body of knowledge includes the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of health and illness. Nursing also has a set of methods and procedures for acquiring and evaluating knowledge. These methods include research, clinical practice, and education.
Nursing is also a profession because it requires specialized knowledge and skills. Nurses must have a college degree and be licensed by the state in order to practice. In addition, nurses must be able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
What is a "basic science"? What is an "applied science"? What's the difference?
A basic science is a science that is focused on understanding the fundamental principles of nature. It is not concerned with the application of these principles to practical problems. Some examples of basic sciences include physics, chemistry, and biology.
An applied science is a science that is focused on using the principles of basic science to solve practical problems. Some examples of applied sciences include engineering, medicine, and agriculture.
The main difference between a basic science and an applied science is that a basic science is focused on understanding, while an applied science is focused on doing. However, there is often overlap between the two. For example, engineering is an applied science that uses the principles of physics and chemistry to solve practical problems.
Is nursing a "basic" or "applied" science?
Nursing can be considered both a basic and an applied science. As a basic science, nursing is concerned with understanding the fundamental principles of health and illness. This includes the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of health and illness. As an applied science, nursing is concerned with using these principles to provide care to patients. This includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the basic science aspects of nursing. This is due to the increasing complexity of health care and the need for nurses to have a strong understanding of the underlying science. However, the applied science aspects of nursing are still essential. Nurses must be able to use their knowledge of the basic sciences to provide care to patients in a practical and effective way.
Overall, I believe that nursing is a discipline, a profession, and both a basic and an applied science. It is a complex and evolving field that is essential to the delivery of health care.