Nursing Praxis a Framework for Education, Research, and Practice

Abstract
Nursing is grounded in the praxis philosophy and there is a connection between praxis, philosophy, and nursing.  Nursing philosophy refers to the worldview(s) of the profession and provides perspective for practice, scholarship, education, and research. Being multi-dimensional, nursing incorporates concepts, ethics, standards, laws, axioms, worldviews, and theories to help define and explain nursing. Nursing also believes that people desire holistic health as health for wellness and the prevention of disease. Philosophy and praxis are the basis of all discipline and nursing knowledge are derived from philosophical questions and inquiry which eventually lead to nursing practice, science, research, theory, and scholarship. The nursing philosophical inquiry does not always lead to one correct answer but enables the articulation of various ways of knowledge through praxis. Understanding nursing science is crucial to every nurse, but understanding the connection between nursing, praxis, and health is critical for nurses to better understand the needs of current and future generations. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the praxis theory using the praxis theoretical model and framework which are closely interwoven to the concept of holism and the holistic thinking philosophy. Nightingale started the profession of nursing from a praxis perspective in and about 1859 and she used the concept of praxis and evidence-based practice to guide nursing education and practice. Praxis is a critical thinking process that can be applied to any learning process, life situation, or daily decision-making process.  Theoretically, Nightingale was the first nurse to use the praxis philosophy in nursing decision making and in knowledge development.  Praxis philosophy can provide a holistic framework for nursing science, education, research, theoretical advancement, and practices that can be used to address human physical, social, economic, political, spiritual, cultural, financial, and environmental needs. Praxis can also be used to address issues relating to nursing turnover, toxic work environment, and burnout.

 

Biography:

Dr. Mercy Popoola started her nursing career as a Diploma nurse in 1984 and ended with her PhD in Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver in 2000. Dr. Popoola has served in nursing leadership in the last twenty years rising to the level of a Dean. Currently, she serves as a consultant on holistic practices and praxis teaching philosophy. She has developed and implemented many undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Additionally, she has worked and taught graduate and undergraduate plus MBA students in a variety of clinical settings from ICU to the community. Her research interest is in the area of theory development with an emphasis on holistic praxis.  She is the recipient of many awards in scholarship, teaching, and service and the author of several books and over 60 professional journal articles. Dr. Popoola loves to read, run, hike, and travel. Her upcoming book is on praxis retirement.

 

Author(s): Mercy Mammah Popoola

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